Mathematics





 

Key Stage  3

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Students follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum for Mathematics and Financial Capability. Mathematics helps pupils to develop important skills such as calculating, logical thinking and investigating. It enables pupils to:

1. understand quantity and measures;

2. appreciate patterns and relationships;

3. explore size and shape; and

4. analyse data and chance.

 

Through Financial Capability, our teachers give pupils opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of finance issues. Pupils will also develop skills that enable them to make competent and responsible financial decisions. By engaging with issues that young people can relate to, now and in the future, we help pupils to see the relevance of Mathematics and Financial Capability to real life and to work.

 

We have linked our Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work to the content required at GCSE level, therefore, pupils are developing skills from Year 8 onwards that will form the building blocks for Key Stage 4.

 

Very capable pupils in Year 10 are invited to sit 45% of their GCSE Maths exam at the end of Year 10. This allows them more opportunities to improve on their grade and confidence levels.

 

We celebrate pupil achievement in Mathematics with monthly awards being presented to every class.

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Key Stage 4

 

At the end of Year 10, subject teachers will closely analyse the performance and potential of pupils who will then move on to either study GCSE Foundation Maths or Higher Maths in two years. All pupils studying GCSE Maths follow the CCEA specification. 

 

Pupils will be assessed by way of three written examinations over two years.

 

At the end of Year 11 students will sit one of the modules M1-M4 (worth 45% of the overall GCSE grade) depending on the pathway that has been identified.

In Year 12 students will sit one of the modules M6-M8 (2 papers – 1 calculator and 1 non-calculator worth 55% of the overall GCSE grade) depending on the pathway that has been identified.

​Students will have a Google Classroom set up for their Mathematics class that will have resources uploaded to support their learning

 

​Pupils will be offered the opportunity to sit each module twice if necessary (November and May/June are the exam windows).  Revision classes, Saturday School, and the opportunity to attend booster sessions and an external Easter School are provided to allow for past paper practice in Mathematics.

This GCSE provides various career opportunities. Most employers and places of further education will look for a Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics when considering whether to accept students for employment of study. Some employers and unions say that in recent years, school-leavers have lacked basic numeracy and maths skills that are so vital when trying to get a job. This only reaffirms the importance of achieving a grade C or above to create as many opportunities as possible for students in later life.

 Employees with a grade C in GCSE Maths and English, and display numeracy and literacy skills, can earn up to £2,000 more than those who don’t. Some colleges and universities ask for grade B or above, dependant on the course. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest people with high numeracy and literacy levels are healthier, with a longer life expectancy. This may be because they are able to access appropriate health care as well as advocate on their own behalf.