Mathematics Faculty
Photo: Year 12 pupils at Archimedes Club, a Mathematics revision club which uses only interactive activities like card sorts, mini white boards, jigsaws and poster making
ICT
Regardless of a pupil's career aspirations they cannot escape the fact that Information Technology will play an integral role in their life. Whether it is through communication, research or simply leisure, the impact that Information Technology has is immense and is set only to increase further.
During Years Seven and Eight pupils are introduced to the different aspects of ICT such as how to use a computer to store work progressing to more advanced software like database applications.
Pupils obtain their ICT skills by creating mini portfolios of work for each unit of learning: Information & Data Reliability, Creating and Developing Websites, Spreadsheets, Flash Animation, Control, ICT & Society and Database Applications.
During Years 10 and 11 pupils follow the OCR Nationals course. The course is broken down into seven different units and all contribute towards a potential four GCSEs
In Year 10, pupils complete the following units: ICT Skills for Business, Creating Computer Graphics, Web Page Creation and Creating Sound Using ICT.
In Year 11, pupils complete the following units: Design & Produce Multimedia Products, Desktop Publishing and E-Commerce.
The Key Stage Five ICT course involves a number of different, interesting and informative elements. Pupils look into the impact of ICT on society and how society actually uses ICT. In addition, they use ICT to analyse data and create professional business documents, presentations and websites.
Pupils expand the skills they already possess in areas of Publishing, Databases and Spreadsheets. Pupils knowledge and expertise in new areas such as creating industry-standard documents, websites and ICT systems and applications used in various organisations.
Coursework lessons are based around a P.C. and pupils are taught to the OCR Applied GCE syllabus. Traditional teacher-led lessons are enhanced by the use of the College’s Digital Teacher software, a unique learning tool that gives pupils guidance, support and advice via interactive tutorials that are mapped to the examination criteria.
Mathematics
Mathematics at Key Stages Three and Four covers the four National Curriculum attainment targets: Mathematical Processes and Applications, Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Handling Data. Mathematical skills are important at school, in the workplace and in everyday life and pupils are taught to approach problems systematically and analytically whilst developing their problem-solving skills.
The faculty strives to give pupils confidence in their own ability so that they can achieve their full potential. Staff endeavour to stimulate pupils’ interest in, and enjoyment of Mathematics whilst giving pupils an awareness of the importance of Mathematical skills and the use and application of Mathematics.
During Mathematics lessons, pupils experience a range of activities to ensure that they are exposed to a variety of teaching and learning styles. Full use is made of the interactive whiteboards and various resources within lessons and pupils have the opportunity to work independently, in pairs and in small groups. Pupils also spend some time in the dedicated Maths ICT suite every half term to enhance their learning of certain topics as well as encouraging independent learning.
Pupils complete a self assessment booklet each half term and this has had a very positive impact, with pupils gaining a sense of achievement, awareness and ownership of their learning, plotting progress through the year and setting and reviewing targets at regular intervals. Pupils know the level they are attaining and have a focus for progression.
Large numbers of pupils choose to continue studying Mathematics at Key Stage Five. Mathematics at AS and A level is a challenging, highly regarded, and much sought after qualification that provides excellent preparation for many future courses and careers.
The same can be said of Further Mathematics, which is also an increasingly popular choice at AS and A Level. Further Mathematics aims to both broaden and deepen the Mathematics pupils have previously studied, and pupils find it to be a very demanding, yet ultimately rewarding and empowering qualification.
At Key Stage Five, the department places the same emphasis on interactivity and richness of experience in lessons as it does with younger pupils. Pupils are encouraged to talk about Mathematics, to help each other in lessons and criticise constructively each others’ work.
Maths Club (held every lunchtime from 12.45 to 1.15) provides a support facility for any pupil experiencing difficulty in the subject, as well as providing opportunities for consolidation and reinforcement. Maths Club is well attended by pupils from all year groups.
Various enrichment activities take place within each year group, including a Compass Design Competition in Year Seven, National Mathematics Competitions (both individual and team) in all years and Mathematics Inspiration Lectures in the Upper School.