Mathematics

Whether it is the higher order mental skills, the challenge of following in the footsteps of Pythagoras, Euclid, Newton and Gauss, the prestige of Mathematics A Level, the application of Mathematics in all areas of Science, Commerce and life in general - or simply the fact that the subject is compulsory in Key Stages 3 and 4 - Mathematics is a highly significant subject at Hasmonean. The Mathematics classrooms on each site buzz with activity, abound with technology and innovation is to the fore. Students of Mathematics attain among the highest grades in the school and the lessons create a foundation for future learning in both this and other subjects.

Teachers

• Mr R. Kerr, Director of Learning, Ext 256
• Mr M. Blain, Assistant Headteacher
• Mrs R. Rowe, Deputy Director of Learning, i/c Girls' Mathematics, Ext 373
• Mr A. Cristea, Deputy Director of Learning, responsible for Mathematics assessment
• Mr G. Vardakis, responsible for resources and BEC
• Mrs L. Epton
• Mrs O. Selouk
• Mr D. Littlestone
• Rabbi D. Muster
• Dr P. Mett
• Mr K Gatman
• Mr D. Vincent
• Mrs S. Ison

KS3: Years 7-8

The current scheme of work is based on the Nelson Thornes new National Framework Mathematics series by Vickers and Tippler. This offers a challenging, differentiated scheme of work which we supplement with computer and investigative work.

At the start of Year 7, students are taught in mixed ability form groups for about six weeks after which they have a test to enable us to put them into ability sets. In these sets, all students follow the same topics at roughly the same time. Assessments, generally focused on individual topics, occur throughout the school year, in accordance with school policy. It is possible for students to move sets following assessments. Some students who find Mathematics extremely difficult work in a more individualised environment in the Supportive Studies Unit.

The KS3 course covers all areas of National Curriculum Mathematics, including Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measures and Handling Data, as well as Mathematical Processes and Applications.

KS4: Years 9-11 (GCSE)

All classes follow the Edexcel Linear GCSE course (1380) using the Collins text books (Speed, Gordon & Evans). Accompanying this is a CD containing all the course material for home use, and a homework exercise book. Additional homework tasks may be provided online, or as open-ended tasks.

The course is taught at higher and foundation levels, leading to grades A* to D and C to G respectively. The majority of students study the higher course; one smaller set studies the foundation syllabus, and a small number take the Welsh Board (WJEC) Entry Level Certificate. All higher tier sets track each other, making movement between sets possible.

The scheme of work is designed so that all groups progress at the same rate. More able groups will broaden their work by taking Statistics GCSE, and the most able may take the new Additional Maths GCSE, or may start parts of the A-Level course early.

Post 16: Year 12 (A/S) & Year 13 (A2)

Mathematics is a popular subject in the school, with over 50 students across the two sites selecting it for A-Level each year. Results are consistently very good. To be accepted on to the course, a GCSE grade A in Mathematics is required; A* is a prerequisite for studying Further Mathematics.

Students follow the Edexcel 9371 Mathematics A-Level course which comprises 6 modules of Core (Pure), Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics. The top mathematicians may additionally study for Further Mathematics A Level (Edexcel 9372). This course comprises twelve modules including all of those required for Mathematics and additional Further or Pure modules, along with higher levels of the Applied modules.

The specific modules studied may vary according to the abilities and interests of the group, but the following are typical:

• Mathematics AS (Year 12): C1, C2, S1
• Mathematics A2 (Year 13): C3, C4, M1
• Further Mathematics AS (Year 12): All of the above
• Further Mathematics A2 (Year 13): FP1, FP2, M2, M3, S2 and D1.

Every student is taught by at least two different members of staff, all fully qualified specialists.

Extra

Pupils in higher groups have the chance to participate in the UK mathematics challenge.

Links