Mathematics
Teaching Staff:
KS3 Maths
Classes follow the NI Curriculum studying the key components of Maths, Number, Shape and Space, Algebra and Handling Data and Probability.
All students receive 7 or 8 fifty-two minute periods of Mathematics during a fortnight. We use a practical approach to teaching Maths, using resources which allow learners to experience a concrete representation. Lessons are dynamic and engaging to promote an enjoyment of Maths.
It is also important that pupils see the relevance of their Mathematics and how it is used every day in the real world. Therefore, Using Mathematics is an important part of our teaching in the Mathematics department and students are given opportunities to develop and enhance their investigational and problem solving skills.
There is differentiation throughout all Mathematics classes to ensure that the Gifted & Talented are stretched and under-confident students are supported.
We use the website MyMaths to assist in our delivery of lessons and, more importantly, to assist the students by providing step by step tutorials on all the topics taught at home. We also set online homework using this site.
SEN students with specific numeracy needs are involved in a withdrawal system from other subjects where they receive either one to one help or support within a very small group.
All KS3 students complete two assessments throughout the year.
GCSE Maths
All students study GCSE Mathematics, following the CCEA course. This course encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts. It enables students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions and make deductions and inferences. Students learn how to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.
The specification has eight units, four at Foundation Tier and four at Higher Tier:
GCSE Further Mathematics is offered as an option and is studied alongside GCSE Mathematics throughout Years 11 & 12. The CCEA course is followed, encouraging students to extend their mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding. It gives them opportunities to select and apply mathematical techniques and methods to everyday situations. It challenges and stretches students to broaden their mathematical knowledge to a more advanced level.
Pupils will study 3 units over the two years.
A Level Maths
A Level Mathematics allows students to develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment. Students develop abilities to reason logically and to recognise incorrect reasoning. Students will also extend their mathematical skills and techniques for use in more difficult, unstructured problems, connecting their knowledge and applying it to real life situations.
Extracurricular Maths
There are a series of specific Maths clubs for Key Stage 4: GCSE Further Maths Support and GCSE Higher & Foundation Support before and after school.
Further study and careers with mathematics
Studying mathematics develops students’ analytical, research and problem-solving skills. It provides a firm foundation for scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical careers. It gives students the knowledge and logic they need to solve scientific, mechanical and coding problems.
- Miss A McGregor BSc (Hons) MSc PGCE - Head of Department
- Mrs K Fleck BEd (Hons)
- Mr P Kelly BSc (Hons) MSc PGCE
- Ms N McGowan
- Ms A McAuley
KS3 Maths
Classes follow the NI Curriculum studying the key components of Maths, Number, Shape and Space, Algebra and Handling Data and Probability.
All students receive 7 or 8 fifty-two minute periods of Mathematics during a fortnight. We use a practical approach to teaching Maths, using resources which allow learners to experience a concrete representation. Lessons are dynamic and engaging to promote an enjoyment of Maths.
It is also important that pupils see the relevance of their Mathematics and how it is used every day in the real world. Therefore, Using Mathematics is an important part of our teaching in the Mathematics department and students are given opportunities to develop and enhance their investigational and problem solving skills.
There is differentiation throughout all Mathematics classes to ensure that the Gifted & Talented are stretched and under-confident students are supported.
We use the website MyMaths to assist in our delivery of lessons and, more importantly, to assist the students by providing step by step tutorials on all the topics taught at home. We also set online homework using this site.
SEN students with specific numeracy needs are involved in a withdrawal system from other subjects where they receive either one to one help or support within a very small group.
All KS3 students complete two assessments throughout the year.
GCSE Maths
All students study GCSE Mathematics, following the CCEA course. This course encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts. It enables students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions and make deductions and inferences. Students learn how to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.
The specification has eight units, four at Foundation Tier and four at Higher Tier:
- Unit M1: Foundation Tier (45%)
- Unit M5: Foundation Tier Completion Test (55%)
- Unit M2: Foundation Tier (45%)
- Unit M6: Foundation Tier Completion Test (55%)
- Unit M3: Higher Tier (45%)
- Unit M7: Higher Tier Completion Test (55%)
- Unit M4: Higher Tier (45%)
- Unit M8: Higher Tier Completion Test. (55%)
- Students study one option from the two available at either Foundation or Higher Tier. They must take two units, one of which must be a completion test.
GCSE Further Mathematics is offered as an option and is studied alongside GCSE Mathematics throughout Years 11 & 12. The CCEA course is followed, encouraging students to extend their mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding. It gives them opportunities to select and apply mathematical techniques and methods to everyday situations. It challenges and stretches students to broaden their mathematical knowledge to a more advanced level.
Pupils will study 3 units over the two years.
- Unit 1: Pure Mathematics (50%)
- Unit 2: Mechanics (25%)
- Unit 3: Statistics (25%)
A Level Maths
A Level Mathematics allows students to develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment. Students develop abilities to reason logically and to recognise incorrect reasoning. Students will also extend their mathematical skills and techniques for use in more difficult, unstructured problems, connecting their knowledge and applying it to real life situations.
- AS students study AS 1 Pure Mathematics and AS 2 Applied Mathematics, following the CCEA course.
- A2 students study, A2 1 Pure Mathematics and A2 2 Applied Mathematics, following the CCEA course.
Extracurricular Maths
There are a series of specific Maths clubs for Key Stage 4: GCSE Further Maths Support and GCSE Higher & Foundation Support before and after school.
- As well as support within school, we also offer online support through the Mymaths website.
- For Pi Day we have different Mathematical activities during Maths class.
- We also enter the UKMT Junior, Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges, which are UK wide competitions aimed at Years 9, 11 and 13.
Further study and careers with mathematics
Studying mathematics develops students’ analytical, research and problem-solving skills. It provides a firm foundation for scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical careers. It gives students the knowledge and logic they need to solve scientific, mechanical and coding problems.
