Introduction
Students are set for Mathematics in all years from Year 7 to Year 11, and in the Sixth form based on those who want to take Further Mathematics A level. As a guide, groups are limited to 24 in size although groups requiring more attention are kept to less.
All classes in Years 7 to 11 have 6 lessons of 65 minutes duration per fortnight.
In Year 10 and 11 students follow Edexcel (London) Board IGCSE linear scheme (4400).
In Years 12 and 13, students follow the Edexcel (London) Board Modular A-level scheme, leading to a variety of A and AS awards, including 'Double Subject' (Maths and Further Maths). A standard A-level combination is allocated 9 lessons per fortnight.
In KS4 Set 1 also work through the Additional Mathematics Syllabus (Cambridge, course 0606)
Sets
| Year 7 |
6 sets |
| Year 8 |
6 sets |
| Year 9 |
6 sets |
| Year 10 |
6 sets |
| Year 11 |
6 sets |
Mathematics Setting policy
In Key Stage 3 and 4 Mathematics in Alice Smith School is taught in differentiated groups. These groups are often the source of consternation for both students and parents alike. We make it an absolute priority that students are in the most appropriate set for their ability based on all the empirical data that has been collated and the professional judgment of the teachers involved as the character of a particular student develops.
All students entering the school sit an entrance test, and this, together with any other information from previous schools (Key Stage levels, for example) will help us to set the students appropriately. Once placed in a set the students are scrutinised to ascertain whether this is the correct set for them. Again teacher recommendation and ongoing assessment are key factors in set movement, which can happen at any time.
In Key Stage 3, we have six sets in each year group and the top four sets follow one scheme of work, albeit at different places, while the remaining two undertake a similar but slightly less challenging scheme. Studying these two schemes of work will involve going to different depths and pace depending on the set. There is, however, enough similarity that a student in set four who shows greater potential and aptitude can move to set three with a minimal amount to catch up on.
In Key Stage 4, the students study the IGCSE course that they will sit an external examination for at the end of Year 11. In this Key Stage the top five sets take the Higher course while the remaining set takes the Foundation course. Movement from set six to five becomes more difficult as the two years progress because the course content starts to differ, the Higher course covering additional topics and all parts in more depths.
Those in set six will have the opportunity to take the Foundation examination in November of Year 11 when they have finished studying the course. If successful, students may undertake topics of the Higher syllabus and attempt that examination at the end of the year. Alternatively a structured revision programme can be put into place to assist the student in progressing in their other subjects. If unsuccessful the focus for the remainder of the year will consolidation and revision and then a retake at the end of the year. November entry is not available to those studying the Higher syllabus.
The Higher course allows grades A* to C while the Foundation allows grades C to G. Should the lowest of these grades not be attained the students will fail the examination. This means that, generally, a C grade student will study the Foundation course. It has been possible for students in set five who find the work challenging to sit the Foundation examination. Set movements are always done in discussion with the students and the parents.
Should you have any further questions, please contact either your child's mathematics teacher or
Mr. T Connell (Head of Mathematics Faculty).
Examination and Assessment
The Maths Faculty has an excellent record of achievement in past external examinations and it is viewed as a popular choice at A-level.
All students are regularly tested every term or half-term by written tests, and in addition they also sit an annual examination.
Resources
The Faculty is well stocked with classroom textbooks and it has a growing specialist library with a wide variety of maths related books and videos of a more general mathematical nature - students as well as staff may borrow these. Basic equipment includes geometrical instruments (for individual and white-board use), 2D and 3D shapes, measuring equipment such as rules, tape measures, scales and stop-watches, probability aids such as playing cards and dice, mirrors for symmetry work and a host of specialist papers - isometric, dotty, probability, logarithmic etc. The Faculty also has a selection of mathematical games and puzzles, as well as extra-curricular, investigational and competition resource books.
At present the Maths Faculty has a suite of 7 classrooms and an office, which is a shared working place for teachers, as well as a resource base.
Information Technology Facilities
Students must have their own calculators - a scientific model in Years 7 to 11, a graphical model for A-level - advice is given on their use. The Faculty can also advise on suitability, and provide recommended machines at competitive prices if required.
Each classroom has a computer and fixed projectors. These are used for enhancing the teaching and learning. Software includes standard Microsoft products such as Excel as well as specialist programs such as the excellent Autograph PC. CD-ROM's such as Escher Interactive are also available. Use of IT is integrated into the curriculum in KS3 and KS4, with various tasks lending themselves to IT use. At A-level, graphical calculators and PCs enhance teaching and learning enormously.
Text Books
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) - ST(P) Books 7A/B, 8A/B, 9A/B by Bostock, Chandler, Smith and Shepherd
- For the higher groups the course is supplemented by the use of the Active Mathematics textbooks.
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) – Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics Books 1 and 2 (Foundation and Higher) published by Longmans.
- Additional Mathematics - 7th Edition Shinglee Publication
- A-level - Heinemann Modular A-level texts
Syllabuses
- GCSE – IGCSE Mathematics (Edexcel 4400)
- GCSE – IGCSE Additional Mathematics (CIE 0606)
- A/AS-levels - Edexcel (London) modular courses (Core, Mechanics, Decision and Statistics), leading to a variety of A and AS awards, including Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Extra-Curricular Maths - FunMaths and links
This page is intended to give a flavour of the extra-curricular Maths opportunities available at Alice Smith, as well as acting as a spring-board for adventures in FunMaths World!
Enjoy yourself, explore and share your findings with your friends and teachers.
If you have a favourite Mathematical website, please let us know and we'll add it to our list of links.
For a really good on-line Maths Club, try NRICH. It's packed with really interesting stuff, loads of puzzles and things to try out. You can even "ask a Mathematician" if you've got a problem that's bugging you!
Competitions
Loads of Alice Smith students take part in UK Maths Challenges at Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels (we recently got the Senior results back from the UK and most of our participants were awarded certificates - well done!)
To try a few problems for yourself, visit the UKMT website.
Here's another competition link: Canadian Mathematics Society
Puzzles
Mathematicians seem to just lurve puzzles.
Students in Year 8 have been helping to organise a regular Puzzle Spot feature at school, and it has generated a lot of brain activity and discussion - keep it up, guys, it's much appreciated.
For some on-line puzzles, try:
Did you know you can borrow all sorts of things from the ever-growing Maths Library - books, videos, puzzles, CD-ROM's, games - just ask a teacher. A good place to start would be last year's Royal Institution Christmas Lecture videos or http://www.ri.ac.uk/Christmas/ or any one of Martin Gardner's fascinating books or the Escher Interactive CD-ROM.
Mathellaneous links try-em out
Helpful stuff
Studying mathematics at Alice Smith is all about being the best you can be; we will facilitate that in any way we can. Remember what Einstein said:
“Motivation and hard work are what turn skill into success.”
