Mathematics
At BHGS, we work together, sharing ideas, approaches and materials to support and encourage learners. The aim is for each learner to develop a passion and interest for Mathematics by providing a broad curriculum of Mathematical study
Intent Statement
Mathematics is an inter-connected discipline that permeates all walks of life. Many other subjects rely on good mathematical knowledge and the aim of the department is for our pupils to develop confidence and competence in their application of mathematics.
At BHGS we work together, sharing ideas, approaches and materials to support and encourage learners. The aim is for each learner to develop a passion and interest for Mathematics by providing a broad curriculum of Mathematical study. This will allow all pupils to reach their full mathematical potential, building on what they have learnt at Key Stage 2 in order to reason mathematically so that they can solve problems by applying the skills they have learnt to unknown situations.
Every learner should have access to an interesting curriculum, developing an enthusiastic attitude towards maths which stays with them through life. A BHGS mathematician should be able to communicate their findings to others in a coherent manner, and work independently at their own level, building the resilience and confidence necessary to persevere with difficulties. Lessons will allow students to broaden and develop their learning and understanding of maths in the real world, enabling pupils to see the importance of how maths relates to so many areas of home and work life.
- Each pupil achieves their highest possible standard in the study of Mathematics.
- Each pupil learns to work co-operatively, discussing and sharing their Mathematics with others.
- Each pupil is able to work independently at their own level, build resilience and gain confidence.
- Each pupil develops logical thinking and problem solving skills that can be applied to many aspects of life.
Most of all we hope that pupils enjoy their Mathematics and leave school well prepared for the future.
Curriculum
KS3
In year 7, 8 and part of year 9 pupils follow the Key Stage 3 Curriculum. The key strands of study across KS3 are: Number; Algebra; Ratio, Proportion and rates of change; Geometry and measures; Probability and statistics.
Classes are taught in bands (lower, middle or upper) based on current attainment. Each band has two classes. We use a variety of resources and textbooks to cover the scheme of work.
We are continually assessing progress in maths and at the end of each term we make any class changes based on progress. We also do an initial check in the first half term of Year 7. Parents are informed by letter up to two weeks in advance.
Homework is set twice a week and is generally used to practice skills learnt in class, or a pre-learning task to assess prior knowledge. This will usually be written in their homework book but, on occasion, may be online based.
Assessments are completed regularly throughout the year.
All pupils are expected to bring their own equipment to lessons: calculator, protractor, a pair of compasses, ruler, pen and pencil are essential.
KS4
AQA GCSE (8300)
From the start of Year 9, pupils are grouped into 6 sets based on current attainment and begin to follow the GCSE Curriculum. Pupils will either follow a Foundation or a Higher scheme of work. The final decision for tier of entry at GCSE will only be made in the Spring Term of Year 11. This decision will be based largely, but not solely on pupils’ mock results.
The content follows the same strands as those at Key Stage 3 with differing emphasis according to the scheme the pupils are following.
Regardless of tier of entry, pupils will sit three 1.5 hour exams at the end of Year 11. One of these papers is non-calculator while the other two allow a calculator to be used.
Homework is set twice a week and is generally used to practise skills learnt in class, or a pre-learning task to assess prior knowledge. This will usually be written in their homework book but on occasion, may be online based.
All pupils are expected to bring their own equipment to lessons: calculator, protractor, a pair of compasses, ruler pen and pencil are essential.
Revision guides and workbooks are offered throughout Years 9, 10 and 11.
KS5
We offer a variety of Maths courses in the sixth form:
A-Level Mathematics
Exam Board and course: OCR A
Maths A-Level covers 3 areas of maths: Pure, Statistics and Mechanics.
Pure topics include proof, algebra and functions, calculus, vectors and trigonometry
Statistics topics include probability, handling data, binomial and normal distributions
Mechanics topics include
At the end of the 2 year course, students will sit three 2 hour papers.
AS Further Mathematics
Exam Board and course: OCR A
In order to study AS Further Maths, students are required to also study A-Level Mathematics. Students will study Pure, Statistics and Discrete Maths.
Pure topics include Complex Numbers, Vectors, Matrices and proof
Statistics topics include
Discrete topics include algorithms, graph theory, critical path analysis, linear programming and game theory
This is a 1 year course and students will sit three 75 minutes exams.
Core Maths
Exam board and course: AQA Mathematical studies.
This is a Level 3 qualification. It has been designed specifically for those who enjoy maths but don’t want to do A-Level maths, or who are studying Chemistry, Biology, Psychology or Geography and need to keep up with the extra mathematical content.
Students study statistics, personal finance, estimation, normal distribution, correlation and regression and confidence intervals.
Students will sit two 1.5 hour exams at the end of the 1 year course.
GCSE Resit Maths
Exam board and course: AQA GCSE 8300
Students who have not achieved a grade 4 in year 11 are required to continue studying Maths. Some students who have achieved a grade 4 but wish to improve to a 5 are also encouraged to join this class.
Students are given the opportunity to resit in November and if necessary in June.
Visits/Extra Curricular
We enter a selection of pupils and students into the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Individual Maths challenges each year. All pupils in the upper band (KS3) or sets 1 and 2 (KS4) are entered. Year 12 students studying A-Level maths are entered into the Senior Maths Challenge.
Two maths enrichment clubs run each week.
Mathematical Artistry – a mixture of paper art and craft for the non-artistic!
Maths Team Challenge – encouraging problem solving and preparation for national and county competitions.
Sixth form students are given the opportunity to attend various problem solving conferences throughout the 2 years.
Our top achievers are offered places on the Maths Masterclass in Year 9 run by the University of Hertfordshire.
The maths faculty run a house competition aimed at improving everyone’s recall of their times tables.
Further Information
The schools subscribes to MyMaths, Mathspad, Mathswatch and Integral. Every pupil/student will be given an individual login for MyMaths, Mathspad and Mathswatch websites when they start at the school.
MyMaths includes lessons and homework tasks to support all areas of learning.
Mathspad offers online tasks and quizzes that can be set by class teachers.
Mathswatch has lots of videos and practice questions to complete online. Teachers can also set tasks and assessments for pupils to complete.
Integral is used in sixth form for those studying A-Level Mathematics and Core Maths.
The teaching staff within the department have a wide variety of mathematical backgrounds. Our degrees cover a range of subjects from Pure and Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry and Music. We have a mix of staff that have experience of working in industry and education.
