Mathematics Department
Each individual will be equally valued; where all may flourish and achieve their full potential.
We aim to:
- Stimulate pupils’ interest in mathematics so that they develop a range of mathematical skills.
- Foster pupils’ sense of confidence.
- Help pupils progress at all levels including stretching the gifted and talented pupils.
- Offer additional support to all pupils through our Maths Clinics and lunchtime booster lessons.
- Use a variety of teaching techniques and resources in our lessons.
It is our aim to deliver the most exciting, challenging and enjoyable lessons possible, whilst making the subject relevant and interactive.
Mathematics staff
The department is made up of enthusiastic and dedicated teachers who teach according to the needs of the individual student.
| Mathematics Co-ordinator: | Mrs C Edwards |
| Teachers: | Mrs M Syred |
| Mrs O Hodgkinson |
Accommodation & Resources
Mathematics is taught in three well-equipped specialist classrooms, each with its own interactive whiteboard. Students also have access to computer suites. Year 7-8 have eleven lessons per fortnight; Year 9 has twelve, and Years 10-11 have eleven. Students are taught in ability based groups from the beginning of year 7. By working at the appropriate pace and level, each individual student develops confidence in her own ability and makes excellent progress.
Outline of Content
Students study number, algebra, geometry and data handling along with problem solving skills and functional mathematics.
Assessment
On entry to the school, pupils are set according to mathematical achievement at KS2, Entrance assessment papers (NFER), examination paper in September, potential and teacher assessment or school reports, if available. There are three sets in each year, with the number in set 3 being smaller so that the weaker pupils get more individual attention.
Pupils’ progress is regularly reviewed and transfers between sets can be made at any point in the year when appropriate. The department regards this as essential in order to achieve each child’s potential.
Each teacher will teach the same set through years 7 to 11, where possible, and will be given a spread of sets 1, 2 and 3.
School examinations in Mathematics are undertaken in November and May/June for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10. The mock examination for Year 11 is in January. Year 9 will take the Key Stage 3 examination.
Year 11 are prepared for the OCR Syllabus B GCSE with 2 terminal examinations.
An encouraging number of pupils go on to study Maths at AS and A2 level.
Extra curricular activities
We allow for our pupils to participate in a variety of extra curricular activities, these include:
Lunchtime drop in maths clinics – Girls regularly take up the opportunity to get additional one-to-one help with their work.
Maths Club – run by senior girls offering puzzles and games to stimulate their interest in mathematics.
Functional Maths (level2, equivalent to half a GCSE) is offered to Year 10 and 11.
Enrichment days – Gifted and Talented pupils from all year groups attend enrichment activities held at school. They also take part in sessions offered externally by the Further Maths Support Programme.
UKMT Mathematics Challenge - Many of our pupils enter the Mathematics Challenge, organised by the UK Mathematics Trust and the University of Leeds.
World Maths Day – pupils enjoy competing with pupils on other countries on World Maths Day.
Mymaths - this website is used to consolidate and practise pupils’ skills and promote independent learning. It has the widest topic coverage of any single maths learning resource.
Mathletics – this enables pupils up to Key Stage 3 to practise their skills through a fun variety of fun activities, earning virtual points to gain certificates and create their own online avatar.
Click on the links for more information about:
Mymaths - MyMaths - Bringing Maths Alive
Mathletics - Mathletics.co.uk
United Kingdom Mathematics Trust - http://www.mathcomp.leeds.ac.uk/
World Maths Day - http://www.worldmathsday.com/
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Towers Convent School
