Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject and is taken by every member of the School to at least IGCSE Level. The pupils are setted across the whole year group by ability, and then monitored carefully so that adjustments can be made as appropriate, especially in their first few terms. Fourth Form work ensures a firm foundation on which to build in the Fifth Forms. Pupils take IGCSE in the Upper Fifth (either at Higher Tier which leads to grades A* - D or at Intermediate Tier which leads to grades B-E).

Fourth Form

In the Fourth Form all pupils follow a common Scheme of Work, derived from the IGCSE specification offered by the Edexcel examination board. Although the Scheme of Work is common to all pupils in this year, differentiation occurs within topics and the higher ability pupils also study other aspects of this fascinating subject, with the emphasis being on mathematical enrichment as opposed to acceleration. Keeping to a common Scheme of Work allows for cross-year testing (seven tests in all) and therefore for easy movement of pupils between sets when necessary. The academic year in the Fourth Form ends with two examination papers, one calculator and one non-calculator, and every pupil sits the same two so that a fair assessment can take place. There are, however, more challenging sections at the end of each paper, so that our brighter mathematicians are kept on their toes and so we are able to judge as well as possible how to set them appropriately.

GCSE

Following the Fourth Form, the pupils are again placed into sets, with the intention that five sets take the Higher Tier paper and one set takes the Foundation Tier at IGCSE. There is still plenty of opportunity for movement between sets and, as would be expected, the work is tackled at a pace suited to the ability of the pupils in both the Fifth Form years, with interesting mathematical sidelines still addressed throughout the years. The pupils are carefully prepared for the external examination.

The subject represents one of the corner-stones of our GCSE curriculum, with Mathematics still supplying a vital qualification for all our pupils: to this end, the department works with care and sensitivity to ensure that all our pupils gain the result they need.

Sixth Form

Mathematics has been described as mysterious, puzzling, surprising, weird, curious, elegant and beautiful whilst simple yet stunningly complicated. It is also extraordinarily powerful, with new kinds of unexpected connections and hidden depths being found and applied in today's modern world. For example, large prime numbers can be used in the encryption process when sending data over the Internet.

The structure of the Sixth Form course follows the specifications pioneered by the Mathematics in Education and Industry (M.E.I.) project. You will take modules in both Pure and Applied Mathematics, which offer excellent support for all Science and Social Science courses. Of course, Mathematics is a highly stimulating and thought-provoking subject in its own right. It encourages the development of logical and analytical thought and, for a whole host of other reasons, is highly regarded by universities. There are three possible choices for the budding mathematician:

Mathematics

Nationally, the new Mathematics specifications began in September 2004. Any of you who opt for this course will study three modules in the Lower Sixth (Core 1, Core 2 and Statistics 1) and then three further modules in the Upper Sixth (Core 3, Core 4 and another applied module). You will also be glad to know that there is no coursework in the Lower Sixth and only one small piece in the Upper Sixth.

Further Maths AS

This is an excellent intermediate choice for the able mathematician. Not only does this offer a better challenge to strong mathematicians who do not want to do Further Maths in its entirety, it also gives you an excellent head-start for future studies and is highly valued by universities.

You take four modules in the Lower Sixth and then five modules in the Upper Sixth where some are compulsory and there is some flexibility with the others. Overall, you will be awarded an A2 in Mathematics and an AS in Further Mathematics.

Further Maths A2

Further Maths is the challenge for our most able mathematicians. It provides the opportunity for those of you who enjoy mathematics and/or want to pursue maths-related degree to develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematics beyond what is offered by the other two choices. Universities and employers greatly value this qualification, particularly in highly mathematical disciplines such as engineering, science and computing.

You will take six modules in the Lower Sixth, which will give you an A2 qualification. Three of the examinations are taken in January and three in June.

You will then take six more modules in the Upper Sixth where, again, three are taken in January and the final three in June. Whilst many of the Further Maths modules are compulsory, there is considerable flexibility with the others.

Graphical calculators have begun to play a greater role in the examinations (though the Core 1 paper is non-calculator!) and for this reason we will require you to have one. We will order one on your behalf and the cost (approximately £45) will be added to the bill. All of you will receive the same calculator (currently the Casio FX9750G-PLUS), which helps us give consistent teaching as well as offer online help.

The department enters its brightest pupils for the UKMT mathematics challenges and offers regular clinics for extra help. Finally, experience suggests that you should have at least an A grade at GCSE in order successfully to attempt any of the above courses.