Home > School Life > Senior School Curriculum > Mathematics
Mathematics
Head of Department: Mrs K Jones
Mrs M Ellwood
Mr J Handscombe
Mr P Hindess
Mrs G Hubbard
Mrs H Lascelles
Mrs F McGill
Mrs N Tekell-Mellor
Mrs L Whapples
Mathematics is taught within the framework of the National Curriculum. This consists of four attainment targets:
1. Using and Applying Mathematics
2. Number and Algebra
3. Shape and Space
4. Data Handling
The girls are taught in ability sets at a pace appropriate to each division. The lower divisions have smaller classes to help those who need extra time to understand the concepts. The girls are tested on a regular basis and their progress monitored. They are able to move between sets at various stages according to the progress each individual makes. In Years 7 - 11 the girls have five lessons of Mathematics per week.
Lower School
In the Lower School teaching includes some practical work and lessons for developing investigative skills. The girls have the opportunity to use computers to develop their statistical skills using Excel, Autograph and fxstats programs. There is a Mathematics Club in the lunch-hour for the girls who enjoy some of the more lighthearted aspects of the subject. A weekly puzzlemania competition is run for Years 7 and 8.
Upper School
In the Upper School the girls are prepared for the OCR GCSE. This syllabus is tested by two examination papers and coursework. The girls are all entered for the Higher Tier.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form we offer Mathematics at three levels. The courses are modular ones which require three modules for AS Mathematics, six modules for A level Mathematics and twelve modules for A level Further Mathematics. Mathematics is a popular subject in the Sixth Form, complementing many other A level subjects. We offer our most able girls the opportunity to enter National Mathematical Challenges. Year 8 girls enter the Junior Mathematical Challenge, Year 10 the Intermediate and the Sixth Form the Senior Mathematics Challenge.
Aims
We aim to develop a positive, confident attitude to Mathematics, the ability to apply mathematical knowledge and to lay a solid foundation for further study.