Mathematics

In Upper 3 (year 7), we avoid the use of calculators for this first year of senior school. Greater emphasis is placed on developing a strong foundation in mental and written methods, which are vital throughout the Mathematics curriculum in order to ensure success. Indeed, one third of the GCSE assessment is dedicated to non-calculator questioning.

Throughout the school, pupils are grouped according to ability, so that all pupils can be successfully supported and stretched, no matter their starting point. Students develop their number, algebra, shape and space, and data handling skills, as they progress through the school, culminating in entry for their GCSE. Our pupils are regularly assessed in test conditions with end of topic tests to develop and encourage their independence and self-awareness of strengths and target areas. With roughly half the year group studying the subject in the Sixth Form, Mathematics is a very popular subject at A Level too!

For the enthusiastic mathematicians we enter groups into the UKMT Maths Challenges, which test pupils from all over the country on a range of non-standard mathematical questions and problem solving. We regularly have pupils who score well enough to qualify for the various follow-on rounds of the competition, including the prestigious Mathematics Olympiad in which only the very top students nationally will gain entry. We are very proud of our successes in these competitions, which stem from students being encouraged to be passionate about the subject of Mathematics.

Students of all abilities are offered additional support outside of lessons. We have a weekly clinic for each year group where students can come and get help with areas of uncertainty, catch up on missed work, or just come along and enjoy developing their ability with specialist supervision.