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Mathematics

Department staff

Aims

The mathematics department aims to promote an interest and curiosity in all aspects of mathematics.

In particular we aim to:

§ Engender a love of mathematics

§ Give pupils of all abilities a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas

§ Develop tpupil’s understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment

§ Use mathematics as an effective means of communication and use this as a way of promoting teamwork

Maths Lessons and Examination Specifications

Maths lessons are delivered as follows:

KEY STAGE 3

Lower 4 - 4 periods per week in mixed ability form groups.

Upper 4 - 4 periods per week in sets based on mathematical ability.

Lower 5 - 4 periods per week in sets based on mathematical ability.

It would be hoped that each pupil is taught by different teachers in each year (although this is not always possible.)  Each year group is taught common material, although clearly the way in which individual classes are taught will vary from group to group. There are a series of common tests approximately every half term, which when combined with end of year examinations will provide the basis for setting in subsequent years.

KEY STAGE 4 – IGCSE

Middle 5 – 5 periods per week.

Upper 5 – 5 periods per week.

Groups are set according to mathematical ability. There is one top set, several middle sets and one bottom set. The bottom set is considerably smaller than the other sets

IGCSE Mathematics

The department follows the Edexcel IGCSE. This is assessed by examination at the end of the course.  There are two examination papers, both of which encourage the use of calculators.

Full details of this course can be found at www.edexcel.com

Additional Mathematics

 The top set will sit IGCSE at the end of the Middle 5. In the Upper 5 the top set follow the Additional Mathematics course. This is assessed by examination at the end of the Upper 5.

Full details of this course can be found at  www.ocr.org.uk

SIXTH FORM

The mathematics department offers three different levels of course for the Sixth Form:

AS/A2 Mathematics

Classes are arranged as far as possible to achieve a balance of numbers across each year group. Each class is taught by two teachers. If the pupil so chooses, at the end of the two years, they will gain an A-Level in mathematics.

Lower 6 – 7 periods per week.

In the Lower 6 each class will study for examinations in:

·         Core 1 -Indices and surds; Polynomials; Coordinate geometry and graphs; Differentiation.

·         Core 2 - Trigonometry; Sequences and series; Algebra; Integration.

·         Statistics 1 - Representation of data; Probability; Discrete random variables; Bivariate data.

There is one examination per module and each contributes equally towards the AS grade.

Upper 6 – 8 periods per week

In the Upper 6 each class will study for examinations in:

·         Core 3 - Algebra and functions; Trigonometry; Differentiation and integration; Numerical methods.

·         Core 4 - Algebra and graphs; Differentiation and integration; Differential equations; Vectors.

·         Mechanics 1 - Force as a vector; Equilibrium of a particle; Kinematics of motion in a straight line; Newton’s laws of motion; Linear momentum.

Accelerated Mathematics

This course completes both an A-Level in mathematics and also an AS-Level in Further Mathematics. This is a very demanding course and should only be pursued by those for whom mathematics is a keen interest. It is departmental policy to only accept pupils onto this course if they have already achieved an A* at GCSE/IGCSE.

Lower 6 – 8 periods per week

·        Core 1 - Indices and surds; Polynomials; Coordinate geometry and graphs; Differentiation.

·        Core 2 - Trigonometry; Sequences and series; Algebra; Integration.

·        Core 3 - Algebra and functions; Trigonometry; Differentiation and integration; Numerical methods.

·         Statistics 1 - Representation of data; Probability; Discrete random variables; Bivariate data.

Upper 6 – 8 periods per week

·        Core 4 - Algebra and graphs; Differentiation and integration; Differential equations; Vectors.

·        Further Pure 1 - Summation of series; Mathematical induction; Roots of polynomial equations; Complex numbers; Matrices.

·        Mechanics 1 - Force as a vector; Equilibrium of a particle; Kinematics of motion in a straight line; Newton’s laws of motion; Linear momentum.

·        Mechanics 2 - Centre of mass; Equilibrium of a rigid body; Motion of a projectile; Uniform motion in a circle; Coefficient of restitution and impulse; Energy, work and power.

·        Decision Mathematics 1 - Algorithms; Graph theory; Networks; Linear programming.

Further Mathematics

This course completes both an A-Level in mathematics and also another A-Level in Further Mathematics. This is an exceedingly demanding course and should only be pursued by those for whom mathematics is a keen interest. It is departmental policy to only accept pupils onto this course if they have already achieved an A* at GCSE/IGCSE.

Lower 6 – 8 periods per week

·        Core 1 - Indices and surds; Polynomials; Coordinate geometry and graphs; Differentiation.

·        Core 2 - Trigonometry; Sequences and series; Algebra; Integration.

·        Core 3 - Algebra and functions; Trigonometry; Differentiation and integration; Numerical methods.

·        Core 4 - Algebra and graphs; Differentiation and integration; Differential equations; Vectors.

·         Statistics 1 - Representation of data; Probability; Discrete random variables; Bivariate data.

·        Mechanics 1 - Force as a vector; Equilibrium of a particle; Kinematics of motion in a straight line; Newton’s laws of motion; Linear momentum.

Upper 6 – 8 periods per week

·        Further Pure 1 - Summation of series; Mathematical induction; Roots of polynomial equations; Complex numbers; Matrices.

·        Further Pure 2 - Rational functions and graphs; Polar coordinates; Hyperbolic functions; Differentiation and integration; Numerical methods.

·        Further Pure 3 - Differential equations; Vectors; Complex numbers; Groups.

·        Mechanics 2 - Centre of mass; Equilibrium of a rigid body; Motion of a projectile; Uniform motion in a circle; Coefficient of restitution and impulse; Energy, work and power.

·        Statistics 2 Continuous random variables; The normal distribution; The Poisson distribution; Sampling and hypothesis tests.

·        Decision Mathematics 1 - Algorithms; Graph theory; Networks; Linear programming.

Full information on all of the Sixth Form courses can be found at www.ocr.org.uk

Results

Sixth Form Mathematics

AS Mathematics

A2 Mathematics

AS Further Mathematics

A2 Further Mathematics

Fifth Form Mathematics

  Additional Mathematics

IGCSE Mathematics

Extra Curricular Mathematics

The department currently extends the curriculum for mathematics in a variety of ways:

·         We have successful run a Maths Clinic group for a number of years. Pupils can seek peer support from other pupils with particular topics or as a continued support over an extended period.

·         Building Bridges – the department has helped to organise a number of events with local state schools to foster enjoyment of mathematics.

·         The department attends local lectures on mathematics

·         Pupils are encouraged to participate in the various Maths Challenges and Team Challenges run both nationally and locally.

We run symposia for the mathematically interested to broaden their enthusiasms.

R W Peters

rwpeters@norwich-school.org.uk