Broughton Hall Catholic High School - Curriculum / Mathematics

Introduction

Pure Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.

Albert Einstein

History Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School. Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you. There are opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular activities events in maths. Each year we try to find new opportunities to develop your understanding of Maths. You can get involved in local events within our city or national projects such as the UKMT Challenges.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

At Key Stage 4 our curriculum continues to provide pupils with an opportunity to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education whilst building on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3. Pupils will continue to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and demonstrate problem solving skills. They should also apply their Mathematical knowledge wherever relevant in other subjects and real life. Key Stage 4 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 4 Mathematics all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

Subject content at A level Mathematics is split into three main areas, Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. These modules are all initially studied during Year 12 and are delivered through a series of units focusing on building new concepts and ideas step by step as well as allowing regular opportunities for consolidation prior learning. These skills are then extended to further study during Year 13. A level Maths significantly contributes to pupils Cultural Capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to model situations in the real world. Problem solving is used in a variety of context with pupils reasoning and justifying their Mathematical ideas. We aim to prepare all pupils for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of Mathematics.

Staff

Mr P Devine - Head of Department
Mrs V Ashworth - teacher of Mathematics
Ms L Draper - teacher of Mathematics
Mr A Doyle - teacher of Mathematics
Mr G Jones - teacher of Mathematics
Ms A Taylor - teacher of Mathematics

Programme of Study KS3



Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to continue to develop the Mathematic skills that are essential for everyday life and the next stage of their education. The curriculum builds on knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 2 with a focus on developing pupils reasoning and problem-solving skills whilst providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate prior learning. We aim to give pupils regular opportunities to develop fluency through independent practice as well as the opportunity to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills justifying and proving their solutions along the way. Pupils will be able to develop their Mathematical ideas making links with other subject areas. Key Stage 3 Mathematics significantly contributes to pupils' cultural capital development through the interconnection of Mathematical ideas and concepts with a focus on how Mathematics can be applied to the real world. Our curriculum is fully inclusive with high expectations for all pupils. By the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils need to be able to move fluently between Mathematical ideas and concepts. The Curriculum plan is clearly set out with a focus on the sequence and structure of how subject content is taught.

During Year 7, pupils cover topics within four strands of Mathematics. Number covers basic skills in the core areas like fractions and decimals; Shape and Space includes transformations, angles and measurement. We introduce you to Algebra first and Handling Data looks at probability and how we can analyse and display data.

The Year 8 curriculum builds on the previous year's work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations and expressions. Handling Data looks at statistics and interpreting graphs and charts. Number explores the links between Percentages, decimals and fractions, and we meet negatives numbers and squares/square roots. Shape and Space develops your understanding of area and volume and more complex angle work.

Year 9 continues to build on the previous years' work in all four strands of Mathematics. Algebra includes equations, inequalities, graphs and sequences. Handling Data looks at Probability and dealing with data. Number goes into more depth with indices and standard form. Shape and Space introduces circles, Pythagoras' Theorem and prisms.

Programme of Study KS4


Head of Department: Mr P Devine
Contact email address: devinep@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE Mathematics

History Mathematics is a core subject and you will study it throughout your five years at Broughton Hall Catholic High School.

Maths is everywhere around us in the world and whether you choose to study beyond GCSE level or not, being numerate and capable of managing such things as money, time and arithmetic are essential life skills.

Your lessons will teach you many transferable skills such as the ability to process information and to problem solve. Lessons will include a wide range of activities sometimes working in groups and at other times independently. Your teachers are all passionate about Maths and want to share this with you.

How is the course structured & assessed?

Exam Board: Edexcel
No. of Exams: 3

In Year 10 and 11 Pupils study the objectives required for their Maths GCSE. There are two levels of entry - Foundation, which targets grades 1-5 and Higher, targeting grades 5-9.

Both tiers cover topics based on the following areas:
  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Geometry and Measure
  • Statistics and Probability

The course encourages students to develop confidence in Maths. We like pupils to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and in society and promote a positive attitude towards the subject. The Maths curriculum that we deliver provides a strong mathematical foundation for students go on to study mathematics at A level and degree level.

The course is assessed at the end of year 11 by completing 3 papers. Paper 1 is non calculator and the Paper 2 and 3 are calculator. Each paper is 90 minutes long and contains 80 marks. A grade is taken from the total amount of marks from all 3 papers.

What can these qualifications lead to?

Majority of sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and employers look for a grade 4+ in GCSE mathematics. Pupils who do not achieve a grade 4 at GCSE in year 11 will be required to resit their GCSE at post 16 education or employment to allow them another opportunity to do so.

Having a GCSE in mathematics shows that pupils have demonstrated desirable skills such as:
  • Problem solving
  • Analysing and interpreting data
  • Communication
  • Logical thinking
  • Attention to detail

At Broughton Hall we are very passionate about promoting women in STEM related careers which are currently more male dominated. Having a successful maths GCSE can allow our pupils to work towards careers such as engineering, accounting, mechanics, computer programming, aircraft technician, interior designer, medical practitioner and many more.

Programme of Study KS5


Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: Edexcel
Subject Leader: Mrs Connolly

Entry Requirements

To study A-Level mathematics you need to have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE level. Transition work must be completed before September to ensure all prior knowledge is covered.

Why Choose this course?

By studying Maths at A-Level, you'll develop a number of skills, such as:

Problem-solving
Analytical Skills
Research Skills
Logic

Maths allows you to hone your ability to solve mathematical problems as well as abstract and scientific ones too. These problem-solving skills can then be applied to many different areas of your life. You'll also learn how to analyse patterns, structures and problems, which will in turn, help you to develop a critical eye.

This will come in handy in both further study and future careers. Maths at A-Level will leave you with research skills that will allow you to find solutions to problems, investigate theories, and therefore give you the ability to find new information more effectively. Finally, your logical abilities will be developed so that you will have tools needed to tackle a number of diverse areas, from managing your finances to planning projects.

Prospects

Studying Maths, even if only to A-Level, has a number of advantages in the careers market, and gives you a number of job opportunities. You may even find that you'll use your Maths skills in totally unrelated fields. Some exciting careers that could be open to you if you study A-Level Maths include Construction/Architecture, Medicine or Scientific Research, Teaching and Tutoring, Games Development to name a few. It complements the majority of subjects and career paths and is always looked at favourably.

Course Content

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

Chapter 1 - Algebraic Expressions
Chapter 2 - Quadratics
Chapter 3 - Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 4 - Graphs and Transformations
Chapter 5 - Straight Line Graphs
Chapter 6 - Circles
Chapter 7 - Algebraic Methods
Chapter 8 - The Binomial Expansion
Chapter 9 - Trigonometric Ratios
Chapter 10 - Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Chapter 11 - Vectors
Chapter 12 - Differentiation
Chapter 13 - Integration
Chapter 14 - Logs and Exponentials


Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics
Section A: Statistics

Chapter 2 - Measures of Location and Spread
Chapter 3 - Representing Data
Chapter 5 - Probability
Chapter 6 - Statistical Diagrams

Section B: Mechanics
Chapter 8 - Modelling in Mechanics
Chapter 9 - Constant Accelerations
Chapter 10 - Forces and Motion

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Trip to Bletchley Park
Outreach programme delivered by Bletchley Park focusing on codebreaking and ciphers
Florence Nightingale programme at the University of Lancaster
STEM/Careers opportunities at various opportunities
Access to further reading materials and online resources.
Department has strong links with the AMSP, updated with the latest opportunities.
Weekly problem solving sessions at the University of Liverpool

Support and Challenge

Consistent framework for students to follow. All Maths students receive comprehensive resources, revision, further reading materials and past exam questions. Regular homework's/formative assessments are monitored and students are always offered 4 additional slots through the week for intervention. Students are challenged at the highest level. Small class sizes allow specialist support catered to each individual and students use the latest technologies available. There is an integration between technologies and classical teaching methods in lessons, online graphing software and graphical calculators are used frequently as well as the latest software to visualize model answers.

Student Comment

I love how the exercises support the questions

I can't believe how much progress I have made in such a short space of time

I never really liked drawing graphs before, now I look forward to it