Welcome to the Mathematics Department
The Convent of Jesus and Mary is a Language College with a strong and positive Mathematics department which continues to improve and develop. Our students have benefited greatly from the successful implementation of the Key Stage 3 National Numeracy Strategy. We have seen a continuous improvement in our results at KS3. The Department has recently introduced GCSE Statistics to students in Year 10 –KS4. This course saw the first cohort achieving a 100% pass rate at grades A*-C. This now represents a motivating factor to continue to improve on the number of GCSE subjects that they gain while here at the Convent
In Years 7, 8 and 9 students are placed in sets based on their Mathematical ability. Sets are based on thorough assessments using national standards and these are reviewed each term during Key Stage 3. There is Gifted and Talented cohort – the top 2% of the KS3 students. These students are in the top set and have a specially enhanced programme designed to make strong academic demands on them and to further their interest and enthusiasm for the subject. Investigative and exploratory work is encouraged in the learning of Mathematics together with a strong emphasis on the essential algebraic, numeric and geometric skills.
In any year, a mixture of learning activities is used, including teacher led discussions and tasks, small group investigations, use of ICT, practical projects and textbook practice. To assist in our teaching, we now have interactive whiteboard installed in each of the 6 Maths classrooms. Our students are now able to do homework on line and send to their teachers who feedback to them their scores and suggest ways to improve their work. Students are also able to communicate with teachers via email to register their concerns. Our aim is to make Mathematics as accessible and enjoyable as possible for all our students through the use of a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.
Students at Key Stages 3 and 4 are also encouraged to compete in the National Maths Challenge competition. Students are awarded certificates for their achievement. Awards range from Gold to Bronze certificates.
Staff
- Ms. D Thompson
- Mr. P. Kelly (Assistant Head Teacher / Curriculum Leader)
- Mr. E DeSouza
- Mr A. Hosseinian (Dept G & T Coordinator)
- Mr. E. Gakpo
- Mr. S McCann
- Mr. A. Sztranyovszky
- Mr K Pillay
Expectations
Every lesson you will need to bring the following:
- Exercise book
- Pen
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Rubber
- Calculator
- Planner
Sometimes you will need a:
- Protractor
- Pair of compasses
- Scientific Calculator
Presentation
- Draw a margin on every page
- Underline the date and title
- Show all working out for every calculation
Scheme of Work
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
The department follows the Numeracy Strategy Framework for Teaching Mathematics throughout KS3. The content of the framework is divided into units of work based on the following main topic areas:
- Number
- Algebra
- SSM (Shape, Space and Measures)
- Handling Data (includes Probability)
Topics are revisited and extended throughout years 7, 8 and 9 in order to deepen understanding and build upon previous knowledge.
Towards the end of Year 9, pupils sit the externally-marked end-of-KS3 SATs exam. In addition, all pupils sit the internally-marked QCA 'Optional Tests' towards the end of both Years 7 and 8 and take half-termly progress tests throughout the year.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
In Years 10 and 11, pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (Specification B) course. For more information, see the GCSE Course Content page.
Statistics is offered to a small cohort of the year 10 students. This provides an extremely good sounding base for those who choose to continue Mathematics at KS5
Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)
Students that choose to continue with Mathematics at AS and A Level follow the Edexcel Mathematics Specification (new) course. For more information, see the AS/A Level Course Content page.
At all key stages, students are expected to use the following websites to enhance their study and practice of the subject.
www.livemaths.co.uk (listen & watch)
www.mymaths.co.uk (fun-filled interactive learning)
Each students has her own personal login details and is able to practice Mathematics online at her own pace and convenience. She is also able to communicate with her teacher through this medium.
Work will be set by teachers on the ‘mymaths’ site and students are expected to complete these within the given and submit their work to their teachers who will feedback to them. Parents can access their daughter’s personal area and help her to identify weaknesses and give support where they can.
Other useful websites are:
www.intermep.org
www.skool.co.uk
www.emaths.co.uk
www.samlearning.co.uk
