Mathematics

Mathematics is taught to all students in years 7 – 11 although most students with special educational needs (moderate learning difficulties) are taught in a resource base outside the department. Students come into the school in year 7 in six mixed ability classes within two parallel bands. They are put into 3 sets within these bands for Mathematics for the first three years (Years 7 – 9) based primarily on their Key Stage 2 SATs results. There are opportunities to move sets following formal (and informal) assessments each year.

Year 10 and 11 are also taught in 2 half-year groups but these are decided based on Key Stage 3 results in Maths, Science and English. These are not the same as in the lower school allowing subjects to group all very able and, all very weak students, together. In general, no classes are larger than 30 in size and the lower ability groups tend to be much smaller.

All teaching staff are expected to teach at all levels and abilities within Key Stages 3 and 4. Continuity of teaching is considered important and it is likely that staff will retain teaching groups throughout the Key Stage. Year 7 have some of their Mathematics taught within projects as part of an Integrated Curriculum combined with other subject areas.

Schemes of work are in use for all levels of work and Key Stage 3 is based on the National Numeracy Framework. Last year, students in Year 9 started GCSE Mathematics, having the opportunity to complete this at the end of Year 10. However, due to changes in specifications and prior curriculum experience, we intend to start this year 9 on GCSE work from Easter onwards. We currently follow the Edexcel modular course with the opportunity for students to re-take from a linear course in Year 11, if necessary.

More able students also have the chance to take GCSE Statistics, this maybe at the end of year 10 or in Year 11, depending on the class that they are in. All students have their own textbook although staff are encouraged to supplement the work with their own worksheets, ICT and/or other departmental texts which are held in a central store.

There are 7 teachers within the department although not all teach maths exclusively and some have responsibility for other school areas. The department is housed predominantly in a suite of 5 rooms with another room elsewhere. Each room in the suite has its own computer and data projector with access to the school network. 4 of the rooms have interactive whiteboards. Staff work together well so that all classes have the opportunity to use rooms with interactive access.

We have a trolley of 15 laptops that are bookable and for exclusive use by the department, as well as a variety of practical equipment to aid investigational work. We also have a variety of software programmes available for use including interactive work. The department has recently purchased “My Maths” which is used during lessons, for homework and as an APP indicator.

Target setting within the department has been inherent for a number of years and teachers are expected to take responsibility for ensuring their own teaching groups maintain or outstrip their projections. High standards are encouraged throughout. Discipline within the department is good with the school following an assertive discipline procedure, which is supported by senior staff.

Click here for more information on the exams taken at Coppice.