Mathematics

Associate Assistant Head/Head of Dept: Mr C Lenham

Our approach to the Maths curriculum

The SMC Mathematics department is a dynamic team dedicated to the ideal that all students can achieve well in mathematics through focused effort. We believe our valuable subject opens doors for young people and we are dedicated to supporting students to make great progress.

We also believe that those students choosing to pursue their love of mathematics beyond the compulsory curriculum, whatever their level of study, should be afforded all possible opportunities to explore and enjoy mathematics. For this reason we offer a range of enrichment opportunities at all key stages to support students in cultivating their love of the subject whilst developing their mathematical problem solving and reasoning skills. These opportunities include events both hosted in school and externally along with participation all three levels of the UKMT and the Senior Team maths Challenge.

Key Stage 3

Throughout KS3 students will follow schemes of work developed by experienced members of the department; these schemes continue to evolve in response to the needs of our students. They develop students’ skills across a range of mathematical areas including number, algebra, geometry, proportion and statistics.

We teach using a Mastery Maths approach as used in many primary schools encouraging problem solving, mental maths, calculation fluency and sound mathematical vocabulary.

Key Stage 4

Students build on their knowledge and problem solving skills at key stage 3 to prepare for their GCSE mathematics in which they will be examined at the end of year 11. A small number of students will take entry level mathematics in year 10 to build students’ confidence in mathematics.

Key Stage 5 (16-19 qualifications)

We prepare students for the AQA examinations Mathematics and Further Mathematics. In addition, we offer the AQA Level 3 certificate in Core Maths.

For students who have not achieved GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (or higher) at the end of Year 11 we offer resit GCSE Mathematics and Functional skills (Levels 1, 2 and entry level).

We also provide support for students taking the STEP, AEB or MAT examinations needed for entrance to some universities.

Faculty Leader contact: clenham@smchull.org

How you can find out more about the Maths curriculum:

Syllabus materials KS4: GCSE maths: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300

Entry level maths: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/elc/mathematics-5930

Syllabus materials KS5:

A level Mathematics

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/a-level/mathematics-7357/specification

A Level Further Maths

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/a-level/mathematics-7367/specification

AQA Level 3 certificate in Core Maths

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/level-three/mathematics-1350/specification