Maths
Department Staff
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Ms P Coleman (HoD)
Mrs M Dunne (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Miss L Whan
Mrs Connolly
Subject Information
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Mathematics helps pupils to develop important skills such as calculating, logical thinking and investigating. It enables pupils to:
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understand quantity and measures;
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appreciate patterns and relationships;
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explore size and shape; and
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analyse data and chance
Maths encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts.
Curriculum Information
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Key Stage 3
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Mathematics and Numeracy is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3.
At Key Stage 3, Mathematics and Numeracy has two subject strands: Mathematics and Financial Capability. Students have four 50 minute periods of maths per week. Students study a broad and balanced curriculum in Mathematics in order to develop their knowledge and understanding in Number, Algebra, Shape Space & Measures and Handling Data.
Using Mathematics is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. It is the skill of applying mathematical concepts, processes and understanding appropriately in different contexts. Students are given opportunities in maths to transfer their understanding, as appropriate, to other contexts across the curriculum as well as completing Using Maths tasks in the classroom which are assessed using the Statutory Levels of Progression.
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Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
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Mathematics is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 4. Students have four 50 minute periods of GCSE Mathematics per week and follow the CCEA GCSE Mathematics specification.
The specification has two tiers: Foundation and Higher. The specification has eight units, four at Foundation Tier and four at Higher Tier. Each tier offers students a choice of units suited to a range of abilities, allowing them to demonstrate achievement. The assessment model enables students to monitor their progress and offers opportunities to improve their results.
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Year 11
Foundation
M1
M2
Higher
M3
M4
45%
One Paper
Calculator
Year 12
Foundation
M5
M6
Higher
M7
M8
55%
Two Papers
Paper 1 - Non-Calculator
Paper 2 - Calculator
Extra-Curricular
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After school maths revision classes for GCSE students.
Holiday revision days for Y11s and Y12s.
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Careers
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Numeracy skills are needed in most jobs such as being able to do basic calculations, to make sense of data in graphs and charts, to have a basic understanding of probability.
A qualification such as GCSE maths A*-C is a general entry requirement for many courses and jobs.
‘A’ level maths is one of nine ‘facilitating subjects’ preferred or required for entry onto degree courses by leading universities in the UK The specific value of maths as a required or preferred subject for particular careers.
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Engineers and engineering technicians
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Surveyors and surveying technicians
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Actuaries Accountants
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Chemists
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Operational researchers
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Software engineers
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Architect
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Maths Teacher
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Stockbroker
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Financial Analyst
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Useful subject combinations:
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Maths and physics for meteorology
Maths and chemistry for chemical engineering
Maths and art and design for architecture
Maths, statistics and a social science subject for social scientist/researcher
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Useful Links
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