The Mathematics Department
The Mathematics Department is housed in a new-build and refurbished area of the school which is rich in technology. In all, eight specialist classrooms are available. This provides an atmosphere in which pupils find they are studying mathematics with confidence and enjoyment regardless of individual ability.
pupils are encouraged to become responsible for their own work
All teachers are required to employ a variety of teaching styles and the pupils are encouraged to become responsible for their own work, developing perseverance and self-discipline through sustained effort.
The aims of the department are;
- To raise the level of attainment of all pupils.
- To provide opportunities for pupils to develop numeracy skills, both written and oral.
- To promote skills in problem-solving; thereby using and applying mathematics to the real world.
At Key Stage 3 pupils follow the framework for the National Strategy in Mathematics. The department fully subscribes to both the teaching styles and methodology inherent in that framework. Pupils progress from Key stage 2 is closely monitored throughout Key Stage 3 and this is used to try and ensure that all pupils reach their expected level in the final Year 9 SAT exam.
At Key Stage 4 all pupils follow AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance Exam Board) Specification A GCSE Mathematics. The final exam grade is based on each pupil’s marks in the following three components:
- Paper 1 40%(non-calculator)
- Paper 2 40%(calculator)
- Two Coursework Tasks 20%
The department has timetabled outreach work with local partner primary schools during normal school hours. After school, we run a “BrightSparks” club for KS2 & KS3 pupils. Some Year 8 pupils are given the opportunity to attend workshops with Teesside University.
The department is housed in specialist mathematics classrooms
Pupils from other year groups also attend competitions / workshops organised by Hartlepool College of FE, UK Mathematical Association, Teesside University and the Children’s Services Department. The department is housed in specialist mathematics classrooms, which feature interactive whiteboards. One room is fully equipped with 25 computers.
chess-club every break time and lunchtime, coursework help after school, GCSE and SAT’s revision after school and during the school holidays.
In order to develop a culture of self-learning outside of school hours, the department offers all pupils access to extra activities. This includes a chess-club every break time and lunchtime, coursework help after school, GCSE and SAT’s revision after school and during the school holidays. The department organises several holiday schools for Numeracy for different age groups. Please enquire for details.
