Mathematics

Department Staff

 

  • Head of Department: Mrs L Martin
  • Mr J Thomas - Mathematics Teacher (part-time)
  • Miss S Girdler - Mathematics Teacher
  • Mr A McIlroy - Mathematics Teacher, Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator
  • Mr J Yeatman - Mathematics Teacher
  • Miss P Mason - Mathematics Teacher
  • Dr H Dike - Mathematics Teacher
  • Mr C Wakefield - Deputy Headteacher, Mathematics Teacher

 

Department Introduction

 

Welcome to Mathematics at Queen Elizabeth’s, where we aim to inspire, challenge and encourage your child to achieve their best in mathematics. All the members of the department are mathematics specialists and use their expertise to help stimulate and develop students’ mathematical ability, as well as an enjoyment of the subject’s intrinsic logic and beauty.

Every Key Stage curriculum is enriched by stretch and challenge material, as well as group problem solving activities. ICT is an integral part of Mathematics at Queen Elizabeth’s, with Interactive Whiteboards in each of our classrooms. We make extensive use of a wide range of online learning platforms, including Dr Frost Maths, MathsPad and MyMaths.

 

Key Stage 3

Children are taught in form groups throughout Year 7, and are placed in sets according to performance at the beginning of Year 8.

We use a bespoke scheme of work, supported by the use of a range of online resources. Our aim is for students to master the eighty key skills we have identified as most essential for success in key stage 4. 

In both years, a variety of topics will be taught from number, algebra, statistics and shape. Tests are usually set once a term, as well as an end of year exam.

We expect students to find the curriculum challenging and interesting. The scheme of work offers plenty of scope for stretching the most able students by applying their maths skills to unusual contexts. We also run support sessions for students who need additional help.

A large number of students in year 7 and 8 will enter the Junior Maths Challenge organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. We get a number of gold certificates and students qualifying for follow-on rounds each year. We also invite a cohort of students in each year group to participate in our Axiom maths circles - these are small groups which focus on challenging, problem solving questions.

 

Key Stage 4

At the start of Year 9 there are six classes taking Mathematics, set according to students’ performance in Key Stage 3. We follow the GCSE specification from Edexcel. The top set is also stretched by the Edexcel Further Mathematics course at Level 2.

Our scheme of work is aligned to the key skills on Dr Frost Maths, and we make use of a variety of other online and offline resources to provide a varied and challenging curriculum. 

The highest performers in our House Maths competition, as well as any other interested students, are entered for the Intermediate Maths Challenge organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. We get a number of students qualifying for follow-on rounds each year.

 

Key Stage 5

Mathematics is a popular choice at A level; in Year 12 and 13 there are three groups taking Mathematics and one taking Further Mathematics. We follow the Edexcel courses.

We hope our sixth form students will take up the opportunity of being involved with our mentoring and support program. Sixth form students assist either in lower school classes or by tutoring lower school students outside of lesson time. This gives them an opportunity to develop a different set of skills. We also invite a few of our year 12 students to support our Key Stage 3 Axiom circles.

Extra-curricular enrichment activities are highly regarded by the Faculty. As well as attending Mathematics lectures, we enter students for the UK Maths Challenge at Senior level as well as a variety of other national and international competitions. 

We also have a cohort of students who study Maths in Context during year 12. We offer this course (Edexcel) to support students who are taking A-levels with a quantitative element but who are not studying A-level Mathematics, or those who simply wish to keep their mathematical skills fresh.