|
Mathematics
At Heart of England School Mathematics is recognised both as an independent subject and as a set of cross-curricular skills. The success of the teaching which students receive is reflected in their excellent examination results. The Department is housed in seven main teaching rooms in the Hampton building, with occasional use of rooms in other parts of the school, such as the Sixth Form Centre. There are 10 teachers responsible for teaching mathematics, the majority of whom are graduate specialists.
Initially the grouping is based on Key Stage 2 SATs results where possible, and reviewed at Christmas in Year 7. In Year 8 all students are placed in sets in one of three bands distributed across the whole year group. In Year 9 students are grouped into eight ability sets. Placements are not rigid and students are moved between sets or bands at any time felt to be appropriate and advantageous to their progress.
At present in Years 10 and 11, students follow the MEG GCSE Mathematics syllabus in which the final assessment is based on two pieces of coursework (20%) and two written papers (each worth 40%), though this is under review.
In the Sixth Form students have the opportunity to further their study of Mathematics by taking A-level or AS-level or by re-sitting their GCSE examination. If people follow a GNVQ course they will need to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge through their assignments.
At A-level students follow the AQA specifications in Mathematics. If there is sufficient demand, Further Mathematics AS is also offered.
The aim of the A-level course is to explore the validity of mathematical models, using their own skills and computer/calculator technology. The students will be expected to comment upon these models and suggest refinements; if required, experimental work or statistical surveys will be attempted. They have to show competency in a number of mathematical techniques especially in the areas of Algebra and Calculus.
