Mathematics

Key Stage 3

In years 7, 8 and 9 students have 6 lessons a fortnight. One of these lessons is a dedicated computer lesson where students will be using on line platforms to work independently and show that they have progressed in prior classroom lessons.

Students in all years are tested regularly throughout the year and will be given a step to help monitor their progress towards the end of key stage target. Students are set for all lessons in year 7 so will remain with the same teacher throughout. However, in years 8 and 9 there are opportunities for students to move between sets to further improve their progress. These set changes are based on test scores, classwork and attitude.

Year 7 and 8 use a suite of books published by Pearson Edexcel (our examination provider). The book that they use is based on their ability. Year 9 will begin their 3 year GCSE course using either a higher or foundation book also published by Pearson Edexcel. All of these books are complimented by www.activelearn.com where students have on line access to the books that they use in class.

A number of other on line resources are used in the maths department including:

• www.mymaths.co.uk
• www.sumdog.com
• www.vle.mathswatch.co.uk
• www.mathletics.com

Full instructions and access information will be given to students by their teachers.

In line with CVHS policies students are required to have the following equipment with them for all lessons:

• Black Pen
• Pencil
• Green Pen
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Eraser
• Pencil Sharpener
• Pair of Compasses
• Scientific Calculator

All of these items are available to buy from the Maths Department at break time.

At least once a year we aim to provide each year group with a Maths Activity Fun Day where students will participate in interesting hands on maths activities based around broad themes for example: money, shape, maths in other cultures and codebreaking.

Should you have any further questions regarding the provision of maths at CVHS please do not hesitate in contacting one of our key stage 3 co-ordinators.

Key Stage 4

Students are set across the whole year, based on their performance in Key Stage 3. They are able to move between the sets if it is appropriate for them to do so. 

Students have seven one-hour lessons per fortnight and they use the Pearsons Edexcel books. There are two books which cover either Higher (grade 4 - 9) or Foundation (grade 1 - 5).  The content is accessible on activelearn, all students have their individual login for this resource.

Homework is set at least once per week and this is a mixture of formal written and interactive on-line tasks.

Students take practice GCSE examination papers towards the end of each half term to allow their progress to be monitored and to aid any decisions on movement between sets.

All students are entered for GCSE Mathematics.  The GCSE assessment takes the form of three examination papers of equal length which are taken at the end of Year 11. These papers are equally weighted each and consist of one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers.  The GCSE taken is the Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics A(1MA1) - (9-1 curriculum).

Revision sessions, which take place after school, are organised in the Spring term of Year 11.

Furthermore, students in the highest set are also given the opportunity to study for a further Mathematics qualification in Year 11.

In addition to a basic set of pens and pencils, students are required to bring a ruler, protractor, pair of compasses and a scientific calculator. All of these items are available to buy from N33 at break time.

Key Stage 5

A Level Mathematics

Why Study Mathematics at A Level?

A Level Mathematics will teach you a number of important skills that will train you to think logically and help you be able to solve problems in many different situations, not just in mathematics. It is a fun subject to study and it is extremely rewarding and satisfying when you find the solution to a complex task. A Level Mathematics is a qualification that can lead to careers in many different fields, including Architecture, Motorsport, Engineering, Finance, Actuary, Computer Programming and Games Design, to name but a few. A more comprehensive list can be found at http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/. In addition, research shows that having A Level Mathematics enhances your career prospects, even if you are not planning to go into a career that will use mathematics directly. It will also help to make you a competitive candidate when applying for university.

You need to achieve either a 7, 8 or 9 grade in GCSE Mathematics if you wish to study it at A Level.

What will I study if I chose Mathematics at A Level?

The A level course is split into two thirds Pure Mathematics and one third Applied Mathematics. The Applied Mathematics topics are divided equally between Statistics and Mechanics.

Pure Mathematics provides the building blocks and tools that are needed to apply mathematics to real world situations and problems. You study topics that you will have met at GCSE (but in greater depth), as well as new topics. The topics studied during the course include Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods, Vectors. In Statistics you will study Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions and Statistical hypothesis testing. In Mechanics you will study Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws and Moments.

Further Mathematics

It is possible to study a second A Level in Mathematics, known as Further Mathematics. This option is for very able mathematicians (ideally you will have achieved an 8 at GCSE) and makes you extremely competitive if you want to study subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computer Programming at university. There are a variety of different modules which can be studied and include the pure mathematics topics of complex numbers, matrix algebra, proof by induction, further calculus techniques, polar co-ordinates and hyperbolics. You will also study further modules in Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.

If you want to know more about Mathematics at A Level then you can speak directly to your maths teacher, or ask Mr Gordon or Mr Sheldon.

MyMaths

The school subscribes to the MyMaths website which is an excellent online resource that is used to enhance the learning experience for students. All students have their own personal log in for the site which provides interactive lessons, games, worksheets and revision.

To ensure that MyMaths is able to run correctly on your computer please see the guidance below on setting requirements:

A pop up blocker is the only software that we know of that will prevent a new window from opening. You must allow MyMaths to use pop ups on your machine. In your Internet browser a warning bar appears across the top of the page telling you that a site is trying to use pop ups, you should click on this bar and choose "Allow". (Set to "Always Allow" to prevent this from happening again.)

The MyMaths menu is written in a program called Flash, therefore you need to have Flash Adobe Reader installed. If you right click the MyMaths menu and look at the drop down box you will see which version you have installed. You need to have Adobe Flash Player 8 or newer installed to view the menu.

It is also a good idea to add MyMaths to your list of trusted sites. You can do this by accessing your Internet options, clicking security and then selecting trusted websites.

 If you have anti-virus software installed on your computer this can sometimes override computer settings. Make sure to allow pop ups on your anti-virus software.

Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification for students who achieved a Grade 4 (formerly a Grade C) at GCSE mathematics and wish to develop their practical skills so they may apply these in work, study or everyday life.

Core Maths is aimed at increasing the number of post-16 students studying mathematics. It is about students doing meaningful mathematical problems to increase their confidence in using mathematics to be better equipped for the mathematical demands of other A level courses, in particular with science, geography, business studies, economics and psychology.

Many degree level courses and future employment also require a deeper understanding of Maths in context and study of Core Maths supports this.

At Chelmer Valley we study AQA Mathematical Studies which is comprised of the following compulsory content: https://www.stem.org.uk/core-maths

 

• Critical analysis
• Analysis and interpretation of real statistics
• Maths for personal finance
• Estimation.

 

We also study Statistical Techniques from the optional modules available to complete the qualification.

 

For further information see: