Mathematics

Intent

The Mathematics curriculum aims to equip all students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in Mathematics, provide opportunities to inspire, and further facilitate the development of functional skills in Mathematics and support pupils outside of school and in future employment.

Our department aims to promote a love of learning and create opportunities to inspire and encourage independent learners whilst supporting all pupils of all abilities to achieve their potential.

Introduction

Mathematics is central to the pupils' education at St. Peter’s. It is an essential skill that teaches pupils good work practices, skills and knowledge, often beneficial to other subjects.  

The well-resourced mathematics department has 12 teachers of Mathematics who work in 8 specialised Maths rooms.

Lessons in Maths cover all aspects of Numbers, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change, Geometry & Measures, Probability & Statistics. In addition, pupils are involved in their learning, encouraging them to develop their investigative skills. A range of styles & resources are used in lessons, particularly an extensive use of ICT.  All rooms have an interactive whiteboard.

At KS3, pupils in Year 7 and Year 9 have four lessons per two-week cycle (totalling 400 minutes), and Year 8 has three and a half lessons per two-week cycle (totalling 350 minutes). In year 7, pupils are put into sets according to ability.  Pupils will be given summative assessments on two or three occasions during the year. Pupils are given at least one week's notice and are expected to revise for these tests at home in addition to class revision. The course covers many aspects of the National Curriculum, including developing fluency, mathematical reasoning and solving problems.

At KS4, Year 10 pupils have five lessons per two-week cycle and follow the AQA syllabus. In Year 11, pupils have four lessons per two-week cycle and the same AQA Linear GCSE syllabus (8300).

Mathematics results at both key stages are above the National Average.

Extra-curricular activities include the following:

• The department runs a lunchtime Maths Clinic for KS3 and KS4 that allows pupils to get guidance on homework or particular topics being taught in class.
• All top sets have the opportunity to participate in the UK Maths Challenge, and over recent years, many pupils have enjoyed success at all levels.
• Selected pupils also have the opportunity to represent our school to compete in Maths Team Challenges in the area
• We run an extensive after-school revision programme with Year 11.

Pupils should be fully equipped for all lessons, and we expect they have the following equipment with them for every lesson:

Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, sharpener, scientific calculator (preferably CASIO), mini whiteboard. In addition, we expect pupils to own a protractor and a pair of compasses. Pupils will be given prior warning to bring these additional items from home into school.

Equipment is available from the LRC; however, pupils must remember that only a limited stock is available in school, and there is no guarantee they can purchase equipment on the day.