Mathematics
The Mathematics Department promotes curiosity in all aspects of the subject: we teach mathematics for its own sake. Additionally, we appreciate that mathematics provides natural support for all other numerically-based disciplines and as such, we aim to equip our pupils to communicate abstract ideas effectively and to develop confidence in their ability to do so.
We promote mathematics as a realistic option for further study and provide a firm foundation of skills to allow our pupils to do so. Consequently, wherever possible, we pose questions that demand a depth of thinking or require several different mathematical techniques to derive their solutions. In our experience, this is the best way to stimulate our pupils' enthusiasm for their mathematical studies and to deepen their engagement with the subject.
Above all, we aim to engender a real enjoyment of mathematics and an appreciation of the beauty of its concepts.
4th Form
Lower 4 and Upper 4 provide a firm introduction to the subject and what we expect of a Norwich School mathematician. Our aim during these two crucial years is to develop numerical and algebraic skills through a variety of methods, while providing an introduction to linking different mathematical ideas to solve non-routine problems.
Broadly speaking, technique development follows the Mathematics Enrichment Programme (MEP), these being developed through application to other problems. Note that the material we teach is not wholly restricted to that covered within the scheme.
5th Form
From 2016, our 5th Form pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE (9-1) specification (4MA1).
Lower 5 is a transitional year from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 study. From the beginning of Lower 5, a pupil will study topics aligned with the IGCSE course at an introductory level with further development through Middle and Upper 5.
In the Middle and Upper 5, further stretch to the IGCSE course is provided for some through an enriched curriculum: we offer co-teaching of the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (8365). We find that this a useful extension to the core material expected at GCSE and introduces higher level counting and further algebra topics in an approachable way. The decision on whether to sit the paper is made on a person-person basis.
6th Form
A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics provide the next step in logical thought; introduction to proof and rigour, both numerically and algebraically, and applied problem solving are the key features of a Linear A level course.
To that end, we offer both the Edexcel A level Mathematics course 9MA0 and A level Further Mathematics course 9FM0 to pupils in the sixth form.
Our Offer: Edexcel A level Mathematics 9MA0
In A level Mathematics, the course splits into three streams – Pure Mathematics (Number, Algebra etc), Statistics (Introduction to Data Analysis and Probability) and Mechanics (Introduction to Classical Physics). All three of these streams are compulsory in all A level courses.
Examination in the subject is by three, 2 hour papers: Paper 1 and 2 are both Pure Mathematics and Paper 3 is a combined Statistics and Mechanics paper. The Pure Mathematics content equates to two-thirds of the marks achieved and Statistics and Mechanics one-sixth of the marks, each.
This course is spread across the full two years of study with, broadly speaking:
- The Lower 6th being a year of significant abstraction development, involving topics such as Exponentials and Logarithms, Trigonometric Equations and Integration in Pure Mathematics, The Binomial Distribution in Statistics and variable acceleration in Mechanics.
- The Upper 6th being a year of significant technique and problem-solving development, involving topics such as Parametric Equations, Differential Equations and Proof in Pure Mathematics, The Normal Distribution and Hypothesis Testing in Statistics and Forces in Equilibrium in Mechanics.
In a typical year, the department has five A level Mathematics classes, with pupil numbers being between 10 and 15 pupils. Every class has two teachers.
Outside of pursuing a course in Mathematics at university, our A level Mathematics pupils tend to use their qualification as support for other science subjects as university, especially in Engineering and Physical and Chemical Sciences, as well as a significant number that wish to apply for medicine.
Is Mathematics is for you? The answer is yes if you expect to achieve high grades at GCSE (a grade 7 or above at GCSE, or equivalent) and, perhaps more importantly, you hold a very strong interest in the subject.
Our Offer: Edexcel A level Further Mathematics 9FM0 (which includes Edexcel A level Mathematics 9MA0)
In A level Further Mathematics, pupils study the full A level Mathematics course in the Lower Sixth (outlined above and following a similar structure) and the full A level Further Mathematics course in the Upper Sixth. The Further Mathematics course is assessed by four examination papers, two of which are compulsory and two of which are chosen by the department to offer the greatest breadth of study. These exam papers are in addition to those outlined for the A level Mathematics course above, for an award of two full A levels.
Determining when to sit the award of A level Mathematics is taken on an individual basis each year. We will steer and guide you individually towards what we believe is the correct path for you to maximise the grades you receive.
In the Upper Sixth, we teach:
- Core Pure 1 and 2 (compulsory units): these are units that develop, up to introductory degree level, topics in, for instance, Hyperbolic Functions, Complex Numbers and Second Order Differential Equations.
- Further Statistics 1 (Optional unit): The Poisson Distribution, Hypothesis Testing on Sample Means and Type I and II errors.
- Further Mechanics 1 (Optional unit): Collisions between particles in two dimensions and Energy and Impulse.
In a typical year, the department has two A level Further Mathematics classes, with pupil numbers being between eight and 12 pupils. Every class has three teachers. These classes are all taught separately to the A level Mathematics classes.
Is Further Mathematics for you? If you expect to achieve very high grades at GCSE (at least a grade 8 at GCSE, or equivalent), you have experience of any additional maths qualifications or topics within your studies (this is not compulsory) and, more importantly, you wish to pursue a very challenging university career in Mathematics or Physical Sciences, then consider Further Mathematics.
The department also offers extension sessions through its Senior Maths Club, meeting once weekly.
Link to relevant external exam boards
Edexcel IGCSE (4MA1):
A level:
Further Mathematics
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/A%20Level/Mathematics/2017/specification-and-sample-assesment/a-level-l3-further-mathematics-specification.pdf