Mathematics
We aim to deliver high quality lessons which inspire, instil confidence and motivate all learners to achieve their best. All our enthusiastic students are able to apply Mathematics in real life situations without limitations or stereotypes.
The Department
Curriculum Leader: Mr J Hughes Deputy Curriculum Leader: Miss B Soler KS4 Coordinator: Mrs H Rock
KS3
What will be studied?
Maths has a two year KS3 to prepare students to start the GCSE course in Year 9. Our current Year 7 Scheme of Learning is based on the approach taken by leading schools in Singapore and adapted for the UK curriculum. The level of challenge is high and learning is modelled using a concrete/pictorial/abstract approach to help students develop understanding.
| Year 7 (from 2019) | ||
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|
Negative Real Numbers Factors and Multiples Introduction to Algebra Simple Equations Fractions |
Collecting, organising and displaying data Statistical graphs Decimals Percentages Ratio, Rate and Speed |
Angles, Parallel Lines and Triangles Angles in Quadrilaterals and Polygons Transformations, Symmetry and Congruence Perimeter and Area of Triangles and Circles Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids, including Cubes |
| Year 8 (until July 2020 pending reform) | ||
|
Pythagoras Theorem Formulas and Numeracy Identifying patterns Circles – area and circumference Averages and range of different data sets and cumulative frequency Accuracy, rounding and bounds Area and Volume Decimal arithmetic |
Number, proportion and ratio. Percentage increase and decrease Algebra - Brackets, solving equations and using formulae Statistics - scatter diagrams, pie charts and misleading diagrams Trigonometry Probability - theoretical and experimental Venn diagrams and Tree diagrams |
Loci Algebra – Simultaneous equations, inequalities Graphs of quadratics cubics, reciprocals Transformations – combined transformations, enlargement and scale factors. Similar triangles and congruency Shape – Polygons, interior and exterior angles. 3D symmetry and nets. |
St Albans Girls' School regularly enters teams into The Hertfordshire Team Maths Challenges which allow students to compete against local schools. These challenges are within year groups or mixture of ages. In recent years we have regularly qualified for the whole Hertfordshire final.
The whole of Year 7 have a day of Maths activities as part of the STEM focus within St Albans Girls' School. Students spend a day looking at fun maths problems and developing their understanding beyond the set curriculum time.
What support is needed?
- MathsWatch has a range of lessons, home learning tasks and games to support and encourage a love of learning.
- Encourage your daughter to practice her mental maths regularly by asking her what the time is, how much something will cost, how much change to expect etc.
- Encourage her to attend Maths Clubs to ask questions and get support from her class teacher.
- Develop a positive attitude towards the Mathematics. Having an open mindset and positive attitude that the subject is not harder than any other will enable her to learn.
How are students assessed in Years 7 & 8?
- Small class assessments at the end of each topic
- End of term assessments that will include everything they have learnt so far that year
- In lessons students will be assessed by questioning, classwork and home learning tasks.
What equipment is needed?
A calculator, protractor, pair of compasses, ruler, pen and pencil are essential at all times.
GCSE
Exam Board: Edexcel
Specification Number: 1MA1
What will be studied?
At GCSE in Maths we aim to equip students with the necessary mathematical skills to solve real life problems. Students learn through a mastery approach regularly recapping knowledge and introducing new ideas to known concepts.
Students will study Edexcel’s (9-1) Maths syllabus at either higher or foundation tier. The only maths assessments are 3 exams at the end of year 11. One non-calculator paper and 2 calculator papers. In year 10 and 11 all students are given the opportunity to buy Edexcel revision materials through the school at a discounted price.
Students in set 1a and 1b are offered the opportunity to take part in the UKMT challenges. These build resilience and a chance for students to develop their problem solving skills. Successful students will be awarded with Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate and could be asked to progress to the next round.
Students in set 1a will be given the opportunity to study for a Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (AQA exam board) which offers them an opportunity to explore concepts found in A Level Maths and Further Maths.
How is the course assessed?
There are 3 exam papers at the end of Year 11. They are equally weighted and each last 1hr 30mins with 80 marks available in each. The first paper is a non-calculator paper and students have access to a calculator in the following two.
What texts are recommended?
We have the Edexcel recommended textbook in school. All students have a password for https://www.pearsonactivelearn.com that can be used to access an online version of the book.
Revision guides are offered by the school each year along with other revision materials.
What websites are recommended?
MathsWatch has a range of videos to explain new topics as well as revise previous ones.
Google Classroom contains exam papers organised by topic or grade as well as past papers to aid current learning as well as revision.
MathsBot generates exam papers and worksheets with worked solutions targeted to topics and tiers.
Corbettmaths provides alternative videos to MathsWatch, as well as loads of sample questions and worked solutions.
Maths Genie offers highly grade-focused videos and exam questions/solutions.
What equipment is needed?
A calculator, protractor, a pair of compasses, ruler, pen and pencil are essential at all times.
A Level
Exam Board: Edexcel
Specification Number: 9MA0
Maths A level includes 3 areas, Pure, Statistics and Mechanics. A second A level of Further Maths is available and could include a selection of Pure, Statistics, Mechanics or Decision.
Both Maths and Further Maths A level follow the Edexcel syllabus and are examined at the end of Year 13. An AS in Further Maths is available.
Pure Maths for A level includes proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.
Pure Further Maths includes proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations.
Statistics includes statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.
Mechanics includes quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces and newton’s laws and moments.
Decision includes algorithms and graph theory, algorithms on graphs, critical path analysis and linear programming.