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Mathematics

“The mathematical sciences particularly exhibit order, symmetry, and limitation; and these are the greatest forms of the beautiful.”

Aristotle 

Year 9 (Block 3)

Students are taught in five sets according to ability. As well as reinforcing fundamental skills, the course provides a firm foundation for the IGCSE and GCSE courses in Blocks 4 and 5. The curriculum areas studied in Block 3 are: Number and Algebra; Shape, Space and Measures; and Handling Data. There are a plethora of useful websites to help students improve and/or extend their interest in Mathematics.  Here are a sample, have a look at:

BBC Maths file: http://nrich.maths.org/public/index.php
MathsNet.Net: http://www.mathsnet.net/
U2 learn.com: http://www.u2learn.com/ks3-maths-links.html
Nrich: http://nrich.maths.org/public/index.php
London Gifted and Talented: http://takingshape.londongt.org/index.phppage=tracks&userId=148d6d11a99b9d

The progress of each student is carefully monitored by regular testing and there is an end of year examination. More able students are entered for the intermediate Mathematical Challenge, which is a national contest consisting of lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in Mathematics. It is expected that 'A' set pupils will sit the IGCSE early.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

All students are entered for the International GCSE (Edexcel). The most able students take the IGCSE examination in November of Block 5 and then broaden their mathematical knowledge by studying for a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ) module in Additional Mathematics, which they take at the end of the academic year.
Examining Board: Edexcel (4MA0)

Sixth Form

The Advanced Level course in Mathematics consists of a core of Pure Mathematics with Mechanics and Statistics. Mathematics may be taken in combination with almost any subject and is welcomed by most universities. Mathematics is a challenging A level subject and should only be taken by students with an interest in the subject and a grade A or above is normally required at GCSE/IGCSE. Entry for all Mathematics courses is from Higher Tier IGCSE or GCSE only.

The examination is based on six modules, four core modules in Pure Mathematics and two in Statistics and Mechanics. Three will be taken at the end of 6.1 (Year 12) and the remaining three at the end of 6.2 (Year 13). AS Mathematics is especially useful and should be taken by scientists who are not following the full Mathematics course.

Examining Board: OCR (3890/7890)

Further Mathematics

Well-qualified students may choose Further Mathematics as an A level, in addition to Mathematics. In particular, A set students who have obtained an A* grade in the early entry IGCSE examination are encouraged to follow mathematics in this set.

The syllabus is an extension of the A level syllabus in all three areas of study.  An additional six modules are required for an A level in Further Mathematics. An AS in Further Mathematics may be gained by taking three modules in addition to the six required for A level Mathematics.

Increasingly universities are recommending Further Maths for courses in Economics, Physics and other Science related courses. More ambitious students in Science and Mathematics should consider this option.

Examining Board: OCR (7892)

Head of Department: Sally Dawson-Couper

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum.

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