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Mathematics

Mission Statement

Our goal at Finborough School is to be the best mathematics department in the country. We’ll aim to achieve this goal through:

• Emphasising to our students that success in mathematics will create opportunities in their future academic and career pursuits.
• Our schemes of work will be innovative, up to date, well paced and prepare students for all internal and external assessment.
• Students will be able to measure their success. Students will be given their predicted grades (using CAT). Target grades will be set in consultation with the student and be at least one grade higher than the predicted grade with a minimum grade C. This is the department and teacher ‘Value Added’ benchmark.
• Our assessment will be meaningful, up to date and directly linked with National Curriculum.
• Our data management systems will be transparent providing staff, students and parents with working information that measures performance against predicted and target grades.
• Classrooms will be stimulating and colourful environments featuring up to date student work.
• The classroom ethos will focus on listening, presentation of work and completing work. These are identified as key elements to success in mathematics.
• Students’ books will be assessed weekly against meeting the above criteria. The outcome of this assessment will be directly linked to the School reward system (Merits) and culminating in the effort grade in ‘School Reports’.
• Mathematics will be enriched through investigation, ICT, and games. Games such as chess, cards and student initiated games will also be used regularly for rewarding student efforts. Music may also be used as a reward and played while students are working to create a relaxed but purposeful atmosphere.
• Seating plans will be in place for the entire year. Sanctions will be immediate for anyone not respecting other students’ right to learn.
• Gifted and talented students will be identified through predicted grades and performance in assessment. Students who show ability in Mathematics will be accelerated through differentiation and/or encouraged to sit exams earlier than prescribed.

Extra initiatives e.g UK Maths challenge, a School Mathematics Week and cross curricular activities will be encouraged and take place during the course of the year.

GCSE Mathematics

Specification B (Modular) AQA (4307)

GCSE mathematics based on this specification requires students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following assessment objectives from the National Curriculum Programme of Study.

·       Using and applying mathematics (AO1).

·       Number and algebra (AO2).

·       Shape, space and measures (AO3).

·       Handling data (AO4).

Specification B is a two year course designed to be more reflective of the way in which students are likely to revise for examinations when they tend to cover one area of mathematics at a time. Specification B allows students to take modules based on handling data AO4 and the number part of number and algebra AO2 early in the course. The final module comprises 55% of the assessment and concentrates mainly on the algebraic part of number and algebra AO2 and the whole of shape, space and measure AO3. Assessment objective using and applying mathematics AO1 is assessed in contexts provided by the other learning objectives.

There are two tiers of assessment: Foundation(grades C–G) and Higher(grades A*-D). Students will be entered into the tier appropriate to their attainment. All assessment is external and is made up as follows for each tier:

·       Data Handling Module: A written calculator and non calculator paper, 30 minutes each, 23 marks each. 18% of final grade.

·       Number Module: A written calculator and non calculator paper, 45 minutes each, 35 marks each. 27% of final grade.

·       Algebra, Shape, Space and Measure Module: A calculator and non calculator paper, 75 minutes each, 70 marks each. 55% of final grade.

Teaching schemes of work will support this modular specification and aim to develop key skills of communication, using information and communication technology, working with others, problem solving and improving own learning and performance.

Success in mathematics offers Finborough students a wealth of opportunities in future studies and vocations. The department aim is to provide a platform where students develop a love of mathematics that helps them reach their full potential and achieve maximum success at GCSE and A level.

A Level Mathematics

Mathematics is a subject that creates career opportunities for those who decide to take up the challenge and study it at A level.

In most large schools and colleges the minimum requirement to study mathematics at A level is a grade B in GCSE mathematics. However here at Finborough School classes are more like tutorials allowing students a more tailored and focused learning programme meaning that we will accept students with a grade C or above.

Stories abound of students who did brilliantly at GCSE mathematics but have failed at A level. Equally many students who have achieved average results in GCSE mathematics have succeeded at A level. There is a big step from GCSE to A level. Students who do not take this for granted tend to succeed with the converse being true. If you are mature in your approach to your study, i.e you are conscientious with preparation, you seek help if you don’t understand and you revise then you have the core attributes to succeed at A level mathematics.