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Key Stage 3

For Key Stage 3 year groups the maths department follows a curriculum created and adapted over time. This teaches all the content that the pupils require to continue their mathematical studies, while simultaneously promoting problem-solving and independence. Across the curriculum, there are a number of opportunities for investigations and projects. These help to nurture a mathematical curiosity and love for the subject in the pupils. A wide range of materials and resources are used to challenge and enhance students’ mathematical knowledge appropriate to their ability and students are always encouraged to use skills of good mathematical communication.

In line with the National Curriculum, the teaching of Mathematics at Nicholas Breakspear aims to ensure that all pupils:

become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Mathematics

Students begin studying GCSE Maths content in Year 9. Students are set according to ability and cover the content of either the Higher or Foundation Tier GCSE.

Awarding Body: Edexcel

Subject Contact: Mr Mulkis

Course Outline

The assessments will cover the following content:

number
algebra
ratio, proportion and rates of change
geometry and measures
probability
statistics

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of the Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics are to enable students to:

Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Assessment

Pupils will either be entered for Higher or Foundation tiers

There are 3 assessments, each lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Each paper has 80 marks

Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper

Paper 2 and 3 are calculator papers

Career Progression

Maths is used in almost all careers but maths also helps you solve real life problems you may encounter
later in life. A high maths grade may enable you to carry on your studies into A-level and beyond.

Typical careers that use maths include, engineering, teaching, accountancy, science, architecture,
psychology, economics, medicine, environmental studies etc.

Course Link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

Further Mathematics GCSE

Our more able mathematicians are also entered into AQA Further Mathematics Level 2 GCSE in Year 11. This qualification focuses on the higher order GCSE content such as problem solving and algebraic reasoning, as well as introducing some new content. This course supports the transition to A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics.

The course is assessed through two written exams:

Paper 1 – Non-Calculator (1h45)

Paper 2 – Calculator (1hr45)

Course link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematics-8365/specification

Key Stage 5

A Level Mathematics

Course Content

An Advanced GCE can be obtained by completing three assessments at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 Pure Mathematics 1 2 hours 00 marks

Paper 2 Pure Mathematics 2 2 hours 00 marks

Paper 3 Statistics and Mechanics 2 hours 00 marks

Pure Mathematics 1 Content

Proof Algebra and functions Coordinate Geometry

Sequences Trigonometry Exponentials and Logarithms

Differentiation Integration Vectors

Pure Mathematics 2 Content

Proof Algebra and functions Coordinate Geometry

Sequences Trigonometry Differentiation

Integration Numerical Methods

Statistics and Mechanics

Statistical Sampling Data Presentation & interpretation Probability

Statistical Distributions Statistical Hypothesis testing Quantities and units in Mechanics

Kinematics Moments Forces and Newton’s laws

Learning Methods and Assessment

Whole class teaching, discussions, group work and use of ICT with regard to certain topics will all be used as learning methods. All papers are equally weighted. Students are regularly assessed throughout the course in class.

Expectations of Students

Enthusiasm, dedication and commitment are essential on this enjoyable, challenging yet highly rewarding course. Students are expected to do independent work to consolidate what is taught in class.

Careers Prospects

Mathematics studied Post-16 is very valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at Advanced GCE and degree level, especially in the Sciences, Geography, Psychology and Sociology. Higher education courses or Careers that either require or are strongly related to Maths include Economics, Medicine, Architecture, Engineering, Accountancy, Teaching, Psychology, Environmental Studies and Information and Communication Technology.

Awarding Body: Edexcel

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics. APS 6+

Further Mathematics A Level

Course Content

An Advanced GCE can be obtained by completing four assessments at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 Further Pure Mathematics 1 1.5 hours 75 marks

Paper 2 Further Pure Mathematics 2 1.5 hours 75 marks

Paper 3 Further Mathematics Option 1 1.5 hours 75 marks

Paper 4 Further Mathematics Option 2 1.5 hours 75 marks

Further Pure Mathematics 1 Content

Proof Complex Numbers Matrices

Further Calculus Further Vectors Further Algebra and Functions

Further Pure Mathematics 2 Content

Complex Numbers Further Calculus Further Algebra and Functions

Polar Coordinates Hyperbolic Functions Differential Equations

Two Further Mathematics Options are to be confirmed and are selected from the list below

Further Pure Mathematics 3
Further Pure Mathematics 4
Further Statistics 1
Further Statistics 2
Further Mechanics 1
Further Mechanics 2
Decision Mathematics 1
Decision Mathematics 2

Learning Methods and Assessment

A variety of methods are employed, including group and pair work, independent study and note-taking. Students are expected to do a significant amount of independent consolidation of topics taught, although there will be always be extra support available for those who need it.

The ability to work independently is essential as students must consolidate topics learnt. As students will be spending a significant amount of time working on the subject it is important they enjoy mathematics. Students must be prepared to attempt unfamiliar problems and be able to quickly learn new concepts.

Careers Prospects

Mathematics and Further Mathematics are highly valued qualifications by all universities. Further Mathematics may be of particular use to anyone considering studying Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and other numerate degrees.

Awarding Body: Edexcel

Entry Requirements

Grade 8 or above in GCSE Mathematics. APS 6+

Core Mathematics AS Level (Year 12)

Course Content

We follow the AQA syllabus (1350) for Level 3 Mathematical Studies. This course builds on some of the mathematical skills covered at GCSE and uses these in a range of contexts relevant to many other subjects. The subject develops quantitative, qualitative and problem solving skills which will be required for a wide range of degree courses.

The compulsory content includes:

Data analysis
Fermi estimation
Personal Finance
Critical analysis

Students in the class will also study one of the following areas of optional content, according to the class preference:

Statistics
Critical path and risk analysis
Graphical techniques

Lessons will focus on the application of maths skills to real-life situations such as estimation, personal finance and the analysis of data. Students will consider the maths used across many different subject areas and be able to analyse and evaluate data. A large emphasis of the course is about problem solving using sensible assumptions and communicating their findings in a good manner.

Core maths allows students to study a mathematical qualification alongside three other A Levels to develop a wider range of skills and in many cases, use these in their other subjects. Studying core maths will be particularly beneficial to any students studying the following A Level courses: Geography, Economics, Biology, Business, Psychology, PE and Sociology.

Learning Methods and Assessment

Students will be regularly tested at the end of units and at assessment periods. The AS Level exam consists of two written assessments that each contain pre-release material and will be completed at the end of Year 12.

Expectations of Students

Students must attend all lessons and catch up on any missed work. Many of the activities will involve class discussion and students are expected to participate in these with enthusiasm. They are expected to complete all homework tasks and to complete additional independent work in their own time.

Careers Prospects

Core maths will help develop problem solving, reasoning, communication and resilience which are all valued by employers. Careers that use these skills include psychology, policy, business, law, international development and climate change.

Many Russell Group universities value Core Maths and reduce their typical A Level offer by one grade if students have a Grade B or better in Core Maths.

Awarding Body: AQA