During the course of Year 7, students cover topics within the four strands of Mathematics. Number covers basic arithmetic skills in the core areas such as fractions and decimals; Shape and Space includes transformations, angles and measurement; Algebra is introduced for the first time and Handling Data introduces probability and representing data. 

In Year 8 students build on the previous year’s work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations and sequences; Handling Data looks at probability and interpreting graphs; Number explores the links between negatives, squares, roots and other types of numbers; Shape and Space introduces enlargement and more complex angle work. 

In Year 9 students build on the previous years' work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations and graphs; Handling Data looks at interpreting graphs; Number goes into more depth with percentages, fractions and decimals; Shape and Space introduces enlargement, circles, Pythagoras’ Theorem and more complex angle work.

GCSE Mathematics

There are two levels of entry – Foundation (target grades 1-5) and Higher (target grades 4-9). 

• Three papers of 1.5 hours are sat at each level
• Foundation and Higher:  Paper 1 - non calculator, Paper 2  and 3 – calculator
• All three papers are equally weighted

The course  encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and in society. It  also provides a strong mathematical foundation for students who go on to study mathematics at a higher level post-16.

Topics covered: Statistical measures, representing data, scatter diagrams, collecting and analysing data, and probability, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, standard form, significant figures, calculate and use upper and lower bounds.
Integers, rounding, use of symbols, decimals, factions, indices and standard form, percentages, ratio and proportion, multiples, factors, prime factor decomposition, index notation. Expressions and equations, factorise, solve linear equations, substitute and change subject of a formula, solve simple inequalities,  factorising including difference of 2 squares, simplify rational expressions, simultaneous equations, solve quadratic equations, sequences, nth term, coordinate in all 4 quadrants, straight line graphs and real life  graphs.
Area and volume, angles, use of symbols, properties of triangles, properties of polygons, sequences, co- ordinates (including straight line graphs), equations, rotations and reflections, trial and improvement, translations and enlargements, real life graphs, measures, formula, constructions, graphs of linear functions, Pythagoras’ theorem, straight line graphs, knowledge of  y = mx +c, trigonometry, bearings, quadratic equations, loci, 3-D shapes, algebraic proofs.

Additional topics for Higher: Laws of indices including fractional and negative indices, calculate using standard form, surds, percentages including reverse percentages, solve inequalities, algebraic proofs, straight line graphs, using  y = mx +c and to identify perpendicular lines,
Function notation and composite functions, conditional probability, Venn diagrams, histograms and cumulative frequency.
Area and volume (but including cones and frustums), sequences (including quadratic sequences), solving equations (including fractional equations and quadratics using a variety of methods), finding approximate solutions using iteration, re-arranging equations where the variable appears twice, vectors, circle theorems, equations of circles, similarity and congruence (including proof), Pythagoras’ theorem, advanced trigonometry (including sine and cosine rule), simultaneous equations (including quadratic ones), quadratic equations (including solving  fractional equations which lead to quadratics), use of quadratic formula, graph sketching, involving finding the turning points of a graph, cubic exponential and trigonometric functions, transforming functions, rates of change, algebraic proofs.

A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Mathematics

At Mathematics A level we will teach students to think logically, to process information accurately, and to understand and manipulate numbers and mathematical processes. These are all skills which will benefit students greatly in whatever profession they choose and it is these skills which, more and more, employers are looking for in prospective employees.

Students will probably find that degrees in maths, statistics, physics, astronomy, engineering,computer science and possibly economics all require mathematics at A level. However, many other subjects, including medicine, architecture, and the laboratory and social sciences, do have a certain amount of mathematical content - and these subjects will be much easier for those with an A level in maths.
Many degree courses do not require specific A level subjects, but, of those that do, maths is by far the subject most commonly required. In fact, there are very few degree subjects for which an A level in mathematics would not be useful!

For more information about this subject at KS5, please click here and go to the relevant subject leaflet.

Further Mathematics

Students who are passionate about mathematics might well benefit from taking further mathematics at AS and possibly A level. In this way they will spend more time doing what they enjoy and will be challenged even more. This can be a rewarding and stimulating experience, giving students a further insight into your basic mathematics A level work, and helping students to see connections between different branches of mathematics. Studying further mathematics can also help by introducing some of the ideas which students would meet at the beginning of university courses.

Students may prefer to keep a broader spread of subjects at A level, taking mathematics but not further mathematics. However, a very small number of universities, no more than two or three, expect students to take further mathematics if it is available where you study.

For more information about this subject at KS5, please click here and go to the relevant subject leaflet.