Maths Department

Staff in Department

Mrs S Morrow (Head of Department)

Mr D McCusker

Miss M Chambers

Mr M Robson

Aims

The Mathematics Department comprises a dedicated and caring team of teachers who actively promote the enjoyment of Mathematics. Each teacher aims to provide opportunities for all pupils to:

  • develop a feel and a love of Mathematics

  • develop their Mathematical skills

  • use the part Mathematics plays in the world around them

  • solve problems and interpret the results

  • develop their logical thinking

  • develop their awareness of personal finance

  • use Mathematics as a means of communication

  • develop their use of ICT in the subject

  • achieve their full potential in Mathematics

Year 8 during mathematics

Key Stage 3

All Year 8 – 10 pupils follow the programme of study of the NI curriculum.

There are four main attainment targets

  • Using and applying mathematics

  • Number and algebra

  • Shape, space and measure

  • Handling data

Within the Mathematics department we reward positive behaviour and attainment though ‘maths pupil of the month’.

Homework can be accessed by students, parents and teachers via the www.mymaths.com website and SatchelOne.

Key Stage 4

GCSE

At the end of year 10, subject teachers will closely analyse performance/potential and pupils will then move on to either study GCSE Maths in one year with an opportunity to pass and if successful in Year 12 will try and improve grade, other pupils follow a standard two year GCSE Mathematics course, that is best suited to their needs.

The CCEA Mathematics website provides support, specification and past papers to help with pupil’s study and preparation for exams.

The content of each GCSE Mathematics unit relates to:

  • Number and Algebra

  • Geometry and Measures

  • Statistics and Probability

The units all provide opportunities for students to develop and apply their mathematical skills to real-life contexts. The eight available units are:

  • M1: Foundation Tier

  • M2: Foundation Tier

  • M5: Foundation Tier Completion Test

  • M6: Foundation Tier Completion Test

  • M3: Higher Tier

  • M4: Higher Tier

  • M7: Higher Tier Completion Test

  • M8: Higher Tier Completion Test

The grades that a student can achieve depend on the units that they sit for assessment. For more details on the unit content, available unit combinations and the range of grades targeted by each unit, see the full specification.

Essential Skills - Application of Number Level 1 + 2

As an alternative to GSCE, and aimed at pupils working at a low GCSE level, the Essential Skills Application of Number course is offered in Year 12.

Essential skills qualifications are designed to be relevant and interesting.

The course itself is designed to be an alternative to GCSE mathematics and successful completion of the Level 2 course is recognised by numerous employers and further education colleges to be the equivalent of a grade ‘C’ at GCSE level.

Jill Johnston