Mathematics

Mrs P. Bradley (Assistant Curriculum Leader)   Mr G.J. Catty
Mrs E. Dakin                                                    Mr M. McDonnell
Mr B. McGrath                                                 Miss V. Peters
Mr J. Scott (Curriculum Leader)

The department comprises 7 members of staff, with classrooms and a resources centre on the ground floor of one of the main classroom blocks. Almost all of the classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards.

Key Stage 3

The National Strategy is followed in Years 7, 8 and 9 using appropriate resources. In order to deliver the strategy as effectively as possible, students are ‘setted’ on entrance onto Year 7 based upon their Key Stage 2 Assessments and adjustments are made in October based upon progress during the first seven weeks of term. Further adjustments are made where necessary in line with regular assessments. The materials used enable each student to make his/her best progress throughout Key Stage 3. Opportunities are provided for students to work on challenging mathematics both within school and in national competitions.

Key Stage 4

Setting continues throughout Key Stage 4 and the materials used have been specifically designed to deliver the new 2-tier modular course (OCR J512) which students follow throughout this stage.

We believe that successful learning of mathematics is achieved when students are working in a challenging and positive environment and is enhanced by presenting students with materials and resources which match their ability to the subject. To this end the department has been very successful. Many students consider mathematics their favourite subject, which is borne out by the high level of success achieved by students throughout the school in local and national competitions.

Examination results are excellent. In the June 2006 Key Stage 3 Mathematics Assessments over 94% of our students achieved level 5 or higher and almost 83% achieved level 6 or higher. Passes at GCSE are well above the national average with almost 83% of students achieving grades A* - C in the summer 2006 examinations. The ‘A’ level mathematics course is also very popular with almost 30 students beginning the course this September. Students generally achieve 100% pass rate (all at grade A in 2005).

The staff always give of their best and expect the best efforts from their students in return.