Mathematics

The mathematics department is staffed by 13 teachers, all of whom have the opportunity to teach all ages and all levels of ability.

  • The aims of the mathematics department are:

  • to develop skills so that pupils are able to work accurately with figures and develop numeracy

  • to develop skills in problem solving and enhance logical thinking

  • to encourage confidence and success in the subject, stretching pupils to the limits of their ability

  • to promote awareness of mathematical applications and support of other subject areas

  • to stimulate enjoyment of the subject and to appreciate mathematics in its own right


The department has a wide range of resources both in the department base and in the main school library. There is also a designated department library containing more advanced texts for the most enthusiastic mathematicians. All our teaching rooms are equipped with data projectors and we have eight interactive whiteboards. We regularly use ICT in our lessons and use a variety of programs.

Years 7 – 11

Mathematics is taught in mixed-ability form groups in Year 7 and pupils are then set into six / seven groups according to ability in Years 8 to 11. The sets are reviewed every term to ensure that all pupils are always working at the pace and level of difficulty most suited to them. Teachers are always willing to give help outside lessons and one lunchtime is set aside so that individual help can be given to anyone encountering difficulties.

There is a lunchtime puzzle club to which students in Years 7 and 8 are most welcome; it is an opportunity to play various games and have fun experimenting with new ideas.

We follow the National Curriculum with some additions, including an integrated scheme of investigational work and ICT tasks. We have recently changed to the IGCSE which we feel is more suited to the needs of our students; there is no assessed coursework in this examination and all students take the Higher Tier. The first examination of this qualification for our students will take place in May 2008.

Competitions / masterclasses


We encourage full participation in the local masterclasses and many pupils take part in the various mathematical challenges at junior, intermediate and senior levels. Some students qualify each year for the further rounds of the British Mathematics Olympiad and it is a particular delight this year to report that following his success in the British Mathematical Olympiad, Tom Lovering has been selected to represent the UK in the 2007 UK IMO team of six students in Vietnam – an outstanding achievement!


For details of the IGCSE curriculum please visit www.edexcel.org.uk