Mathematics
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.
It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.
The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.
Aims
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at School.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
Objectives
At the end of his/her mathematical education in this school, each pupil will be able:
- To perform basic numeracy skills
- To perform the basic mathematical skills needed in his/her chosen career or for entry to higher or further mathematical education
- To understand the mathematics likely to be encountered in daily adult life
- To reason clearly and logically, and to set out a rational argument
- to identify patterns encountered in diverse situations and to extrapolate from these
- to approach problems systematically, choosing appropriate techniques for their solution
- To follow logical instructions clearly expressed
- to experience satisfaction in and enjoyment of his/her mathematical achievements
- To obtain any formal mathematical qualifications needed for his/her chosen career
- To obtain his/her best possible results at KS3, KS4 & AS/A Level
In addition, we hope that pupils will acquire the logical abilities characteristic of a mathematician.
We have Mymaths!
Please visit http://www.mymaths.co.uk/
to access a range of fun activities, incredibly useful lessons, homeworks and revision aids.
*You will need the username and password
– ask your maths teacher!
Key Stage 3
We have designed our Scheme of Work around the Curriculum Wales Programme of Study for Mathematics and the Numeracy Framework:
http://learning.gov.wales/docs/learningwales/publications/150717-nc-maths-en.pdf
Each year group is split into classes of similar ability. Throughout Key Stage 3 maths classes do not use a single resource or text book. We recommend using MyMaths for revision and practice. At the end of each unit pupils complete a homework in their homework booklet and then at the end of two units pupils sit a test (approx. every 5 to 6 weeks) covering all of the two units work and this is a good way of highlighting to the pupils which topics they have grasped well and which ones perhaps need a little extra revision. At the end of the year, after the Whitsun half term, Year 7 and 8 classes sit the end of year assessment. This is two 100 mins exams (one Non-Calculator and one with a Calculator) that covers all of the work learned throughout the year. It is the marks from the tests and the end of year assessment that are then used to decide which sets pupils will be placed in the following year.
Key Stage 4
From September 2015 all Welsh pupils study for two GCSEs; Numeracy Maths and Maths. At Bryntirion pupils start preparing for their GCSE’s in Year 9.
Some More Able and Talented pupils will take their GCSEs at the end of year 10 allowing them to study Statistics GCSE and Additional Maths in Year 11. All other pupils will sit Numeracy Maths GCSE in November of Year 11 and Maths at the end of Year 11. There will be no resit opportunities until Year 12.
Unlike any other subject there are now three Tiers of entry in Maths. We will usually teach the top 3 Sets Higher, the majority of pupils study Intermediate and a small number of pupils will study Foundation. Mock examinations will be sat as close to the exam entry date as possible to ensure pupils are entered for the correct Tier.
Higher Tier possible grades A*, A, B, C and U
Intermediate Tier possible grades B, C, D, E and U
Foundation Tier possible grades D, E, F, G and U
Key Stage 5
All students at KS5 study the new 2017 Specification WJEC AS and A level. Please note that 40% of the A level is assessed at end of Year 12 and thus this leaves 60% to be assessed at the end of Year 13.
Year 12 Students study
AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics and AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics which consists of Statistics and Mechanics.
Year 13 Students study
A2 Unit 3: Pure Mathematics and A2 Unit 4: Applied Mathematics which consists of Statistics, Mechanics and Differential Equations.