Maths

MATHS GCSE RESULTS 2010

51% - A* - A

94% - A* - C

Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils' abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically and geometrcially; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in every day living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision making. As a subject in it's own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunites for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.

AIMS

To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at school.
To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils enjoyment of mathematics.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of her mathematical education in this school, each pupil will be able:

To perform basic numercacy skills.
To perform the basic mathematical skills needed in her chosen career or for entry to higher or further mathematical education.
To understand teh mathematics likely to be encountered in daily adult life.
To reason clearly and logically, and to set out a rational argument.
To identify patterns encountered in diverse situations and to extrapolate from these.
To approach problems systematically, choosing appropriate techniques for their solution.
To follow logical instructions,clearly expressed.
To experience satisfaction and enjoyment of her mathematical achievements.
To obtain any formal mathematical qualificiations needed for her chosen career.
To obtain her best possible results at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

In addition, we hope that pupils will acquire the logical abilities characteristic of a mathematician.

THE STAFF

Mrs Vivienne Heath has been the Head of the Mathematics Department since 2007. Mrs Heath has a BEng in Chemical Engineering from Strathclyde University and a PGCE in teaching from Aberdeen University. She is also an examiner for the GCSE exam board Edexcel. Mrs Heath moved from a small school in London to enjoy the countryside in North Essex and has started a family there. She enjoys travelling and hiking up mountains.

Mrs Lisa Gibbs has been with the school since 2007. She has a first class BA in Mathematics and Education from Liverpool University and a PGCE in teaching from Warwick University. Mrs Gibbs is a Head of Scheregate House and runs the school's Duke of Edinburgh Awards. She loves sailing with her two daughters, who both attend the school.

Mr Keith Harris joined the school in 2009. He has a Bachelor of Education in Care and Counselling along with a Certificate in Education in PE. Mr Harris was the Head of Department in Mathematics in a large State School for 15 years, but gave up the paperwork and organising to enjoy more classroom time. When the weather is not good enough for Mr Harris to be on the golf course he can be found on his snowboard somewhere in the Alps.

OVERVIEW

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) are taught for 2.5 hours per week while Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) are taught for 3 hours per week. All years are taught in ability sets with the higher ability set being the biggest (roughly 20 girls). Year 7 girls are taught in tutor groups for the first half term in order to assess their ability before setting. The girls are assessed twice a year to check that they are in a set indicative of their ability.

Years 10-11 follow the Edexcel Linear GCSE (www.edexcel.co.uk). The department have an extensive library of past papers that the children complete as practice in Year 11 and revision lessons are run throughout the year.

The Mathematics Department also offers the additional GCSE of Statistics to the girls in Year 10 and 11. This is an optional extra that is run as an after school club.

Homework is very important in the Mathematics Department as most topics involve lots of practice in order to consolidate knowledge. Below is a guideline to the amount of time that should be set aside for Mathematics homework. Home work is marked and graded with an effort and achievement grade shown in the marking policy below.

Year 7	2 x 20 mins
Year 8	2 x 25 mins
Year 9	2 x 30 mins
Year 10	2 x 45 mins or 1 x 1 hour 30 mins
Year 11	2 x 45 mins or 1 x 1 hour 30 mins

MARKING POLICY

EFFORT GRADES

A	A pupil that is extremely conscientious towards learning, who organises class work and homework efficiently and always arrives at lessons with the correct equipment. She takes pride in her work relative to her ability.
B	A pupil with a sensible and helpful manner who is well motivated towards learning and who organises class work and homework consistently to produce quality work relative to her ability.
C	A pupil who displays a reasonable approach to learning, although with a little more application her understand could be developed. A generally co-operative student able to produce work of a satisfactory nature.
D	A pupil who needs to be more interested in learning. Attitude and approach hampers progress and work produced is below potential. more time could be spent on homework and greater participation in class work would be beneficial.
E	A pupil who has a poor appraoch to learning and may also be disruptive in lessons. There is a lack of interest in learning. She often arrives at lessons without the correct equipment and homework is usually late. Progress is severly hampered as a result.

ATTAINMENT GRADES

1	To be awarded for work of very high quality. Most of the questions are answered appropriately and accurately. Work is shown in detail and with clear presentation. (1* for totally accurate work with no mistakes).
2	To be awarded for work which is of good quality. Most of the questions are answered appropriately and accurately though one or two aspects of the topic attempted are not shown to be understood. Presentation is good.
3	To be awarded for work which is of acceptable quality. More than half of the work is successfully and accurately completed. The work done shows that further practice is required on that topic at a later stage.
4	To be awarded for work of a poor standard. Only part of that work is shown to be understood and presentation may be lacking in quality. In these circumstances some corrective work must be done by the student.
5	To be awarded for work of such poor quality or quantity that no evidence is shown of any understanding of the topic involved. The complete work must be attempted again after advice from the teacher.

EQUIPMENT

The following is a list of equipment that the students are required to have with them every day. This list should be stuck into the back of their exercise book.

Pencil

Pen

Rubber

Ruler

Sharpener

Compasses

Protractor

Calculator (scientific preferably)

Red pen for marking

Exercise book

Text book

EXTRA CURRICULAR

The Mathematics Department has enjoyed a variety of trips, clubs and lectures. We were delighted to have Johnny Ball visit our school recently and he inspired our girls with his extraordinary insight into Mathematics and the number system. He lectured to Key Stage 3 in the morning and Key Stage 4 in the afternoon. There were many parents who also attended the afternoon lecture.

Mrs Gibbs has taken the Year 10's to Thorp Park to learn how a rollercoaster is actually mathematic. They also enjoyed the odd ride.

The Mathematics Department has the pleasure of running St. Mary's Chess Club with a complete garden size chess board. The girls not only play against each other but also enter competitions against other schools.