Mathematics
Head of Maths Mrs Gruber
At LSGS, we believe that our pupils can achieve a high level of success in Mathematics, whilst developing the arithmetical and problem solving skills needed for their everyday lives. Pupils are expected to achieve their full potential and encouraged to enjoy the subject and the mental exercise it provides.
From Year 7, students are placed in ability groups based upon Key Stage 2 results and information provided by the primary school. Each term all our students are tested to assess their progress, which is constantly monitored and group changes may be made throughout the school year where it is deemed appropriate for the student. Pupils with special needs are catered for by differentiated work in lessons and by the provision of specialist support staff.
AIMS
* To teach pupils the necessary mathematical skills to cope with everyday life.
* To teach pupils that mathematics provides a powerful means of communication.
* To teach pupils that mathematics can be used to present information in many ways.
* To teach pupils the importance and usefulness of mathematics in many other fields.
* To help pupils develop powers of problem solving, logical thinking, accuracy and spatial awareness.
Lessons and Homework
In KS3 Mathematics is allocated 3 x 55 minute lessons per week at KS4 4 lessons per week. A variety of teaching strategies and materials are used in an effort to accommodate the learning styles of all pupils.
Homework is set twice a week in Key Stage 3 and 4. The time spent on homework should be:
Year 7 up to 30 minutes
Years 8/9 up to 40 minutes
Years 10/11 up to 60 minutes.
It is expected that homework will be completed on time and according to the teacher’s instructions. It will be marked by the class teacher every week.
Assessment
AfL (Assessment for Learning) is used throughout the school. In Mathematics AfL is an integrated part of the learning experience:
* Through oral/written starters.
* Through questions and answers in the main part of the lesson.
* Through appropriate classwork which tests pupil’s understanding (as well as allowing time to practice fundamental skills and routines).
* Through appropriate plenaries which test pupil understanding.
* Through appropriate homework which is marked according to AfL principles.
* Through peer assessment and sharing good work.
THE CURRICULUM
The full KS3 SOW can be found here
The full KS4 SOW can be found here FOUNDATION and HIGHER
The full KS5 SOW can be found HERE
Key Stage 3
The curriculum includes all the learning objectives from the National Numeracy Strategy, but is extended to achieve a high level of arithmetical and problem solving skills.
The Maths course in Years 7 and 8 aims to provide all students with the understanding of mathematical concepts and ability to apply that understanding in order to solve problems in real life. Students are given the opportunity to gain mathematical skills, develop their understanding and also to enjoy this essential subject.
YEAR 7 |
YEAR 8 |
Unit 1 Analysing and displaying data |
Unit 1 Factors and powers |
Unit 2 Number skills |
Unit 2 Working with powers |
Unit 3 Equations, functions and formulae |
Unit 3 2D shapes and 3D solids |
Unit 4 Fractions |
Unit 4 Real-life graphs |
Unit 5 Angles and shapes |
Unit 5 Transformations |
Unit 6 Decimals |
Unit 6 Fractions, decimals and percentages |
Unit 7 Equations |
Unit 7 Constructions and loci |
Unit 8 Multiplicative reasoning |
Unit 8 Probability |
Unit 9 Perimeter, area and volume |
Unit 9 Scale drawings and measurements |
Unit 10 Sequences and graphs |
Unit 10 Graphs |
All the ability groups are taught the same topics at different levels to allow ease of movement between groups. Although the same topics are repeated every year, they are taught to a higher level each time. Each unit includes pre and post unit tests as well as tri annual assessments.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel 1MA1)
All students at GCSE will follow a scheme of work that has been designed to give them the best possible preparation for exam success, regardless of ability. Whether or not you intend to study Mathematics beyond this level, much of what we do in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be very useful to you for the rest of your life.Key topics include: Number; Algebra; Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change; Geometry and Measures; Probability; and Statistics.
The new 9-1 GCSE.
M ajor differences:
- demand deeper and broader mathematical understanding.
- provide students with greater coverage of key areas such as ratio, proportion and rates of change
- require them to apply their knowledge and reasoning to provide clear mathematical arguments.
- provide greater challenge for the most able students by thoroughly testing their understanding of the mathematical knowledge needed for higher level study and careers in mathematics, the sciences and computing.
There will be Higher and Foundation tiers of examination entry. Examination results in these subjects will be graded 9-1 (9 being the highest)
U = fail
There will be 3 papers
Bottom of new grade 4 = bottom of old grade C
New Grade 7 = current grade A baseline
These are some of the topics that pupils will be tested on:
NUMBER AND ALGEBRA | SHAPE, SPACE AND MEASURES | HANDLING DATA |
Fractions, decimals, percentagesRatio and proportionSimultaneous equationsQuadratic equationsStraight line graphsGraphs of curvesAlgebraic fractions | Area, volume,Pythagoras’ TheoremTrigonometryAngles and bearingsCircle theoremsConstructionsTransformations | Collecting and representing dataInterpreting charts and diagramsCalculating averagesCumulative frequencyProbability |
Year 9 | |
GCSE (9-1) Foundation |
GCSE (9-1) Higher |
Unit 1 Number |
Unit 1 Number |
Unit 2 Algebra |
Unit 2 Algebra |
Unit 3 Graphs, tables and charts |
Unit 3 Interpreting and representing data |
Unit 4 Fractions and percentages |
Unit 4 Fractions, ratio and proportion |
Unit 5 Equations, inequalities and sequences |
Unit 5 Angles and trigonometry |
Unit 6 Angles |
Unit 6 Graphs |
Year 10
GCSE (9-1) Foundation |
GCSE (9-1) Higher |
Unit 7 Averages and range |
Unit 7 Area and volume |
Unit 8 Perimeter, area and volume 1 |
Unit 8 Transformation and constructions |
Unit 9 Graphs |
Unit 9 Equations and inequalities |
Unit 10 Transformations |
Unit 10 Probability |
Unit 11 Ratio and proportion |
Unit 11 Multiplicative reasoning |
Unit 12 Right-angled triangles |
Unit 12 Similarly and congruence |
Unit 13 Probability |
Unit 13 More trigonometry |
Unit 14 Multiplicative reasoning |
Unit 14 Further statistics |
Year 11
GCSE (9-1) Foundation |
Year 4 GCSE (9-1) Higher |
Unit 15 Constructions, loci and bearings |
Unit 15 Equations and graphs |
Unit 16 Quadratic equations and graphs |
Unit 16 Circle theorems |
Unit 17 Perimeter, area and volume 2 |
Unit 17 More algebra |
Unit 18 Fractions, indices and standard form |
Unit 18 Vectors and geometric proof |
Unit 19 Congruence, similarity and vectores |
Unit 19 Proportion and graphs |
Unit 20 More algebra |
|
Key Stage 5 A-Level Mathematics (Edexcel 8371/9371/8372/9372)
Students study three units at AS-Level and three units at A-Level. There are a variety of combinations of these units which lead to a full A-Level in Mathematics some of which are compulsory. Each unit is assessed by a 1½ hour written paper, all of which are equally weighted.
Students studying for AS or A Level mathematics at LSGS study units C1, C2 and S1 in Year 12, and C3, C4 and either D1, M1 or S2 in Year 13. C1 is one of the compulsory papers and is the only non-calculator paper.
C1: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration.
C2: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration.
C3: Algebra and functions; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; numerical methods.
C4: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration; vectors.
S1: Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary of data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables; discrete distributions; the Normal distribution.
S2: Binomial distribution; Poisson distribution; continuous random variable; continuous uniform distribution; normal approximations; populations and samples; sampling; hypothesis testing.
M1: Mathematical models in mechanics; vectors in mechanics; kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line; dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; statics of a particle; moments.
D1: Algorithms; graphs and networks; algorithms on networks; route inspection; critical path analysis; linear programming; matchings.
Note: C = Core (pure) mathematics, M = Mechanics, S = Statistics, D = Decision
We have Hegartymaths.com. Students can use the tutorials to review classwork and exercises to check understanding.
Some pupils find it helpful to purchase revision guides and workbooks in order to compliment their classwork and review previously learned material. They are available at bookshops such as WHSmith and Amazon.