Curriculum vision

The Mathematics Department aims to present Mathematics in an interesting and enjoyable way to stimulate students’ curiosity in the subject and to help prepare students to be able to use Mathematics confidently in real life situations.

Key stage 3

At Key stage 3 students are be enabled to:

• choose the appropriate materials, equipment and mathematics to use in a particular situation;
• use mathematical knowledge and concepts accurately;
• work systematically and check their work;
• use mathematics to solve problems and make decisions;
• develop methods and strategies, including mental mathematics;
• explore ideas, make and test predictions and think creatively;
• identify and collect information;
• read, interpret, organise and present information in mathematical formats;
• use mathematical understanding and language to ask and answer questions, talk about and discuss ideas and explain ways of working;
• develop financial capability; and
• use ICT to solve problems and/or present their work.

Key stage 4

Development of these skills is continued and developed at GCSE with students working towards a GCSE modular Mathematics qualification.

Higher ability students are provided the opportunity of choosing Further Mathematics as a GCSE option. Studying Further Mathematics bridges the gap between GCSE Mathematics and A Level Mathematics and allows pupils to experience different disciplines in maths such as Mechanics, Statistics and Pure Mathematics.

Key stage 5

Upon successful completion of key stage 4 students will also have the option of choosing A Level Mathematics at key stage 5. A level Mathematics is split into 4 modules and covers content such as proofs, algebra and functions, co-ordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, vectors, calculus, numerical methods, sampling, presenting and interpreting data, probability, statistical distributions, kinematics, forces and Newton’s Laws.

Extra-curricular

Extra support is provided for those students with specific numeracy needs through a withdrawal system where extra support is received either one to one or in a small group. At GCSE extra support is offered through revision classes and maths blitz sessions.

Students are given opportunities to participate in extra mathematical activities:

• Axiom Maths
• Sparx Maths Club
• Mathematics Week
• World Mathematics Day
• Young Enterprise
• ‘Learn to Earn’
• Supporting charities

Additional resources and support can be found on the Parkhall Mathematics website.