Maths
Overview
Pupils arrive at Villiers with many different experiences of Mathematics. We aim to build on all that they have been taught and help them to enjoy the subject and appreciate its beauty. Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing students’ abilities to solve problems, to calculate, to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically and to make sense of data. Mathematics is important for students in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday life, in many forms of employment and in decision-making.
Mathematics enables students to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. We want all our students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, to be able to reason mathematically and to solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding to a variety of problems.
Within the Mathematics department, we aim to set challenging targets with high expectations for all students. We strongly believe in the importance of offering a variety of different approaches to teaching and learning to help motivate students. We will always look to ensure that the students are actively participating and enjoying mathematics.
The maths curriculum, at Villiers High School, involves the 6 main strands – algebra, number, geometry and shape, ratio and proportion, probability and statistics. Year on year we build students skills within each of these strands exposing them to more and more complex ideas.
Students participate in the annual Maths Challenges organised by the UKMT and are entered for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior challenges. The students enjoy considerable success, with a healthy number of Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates being awarded each year.
Key Stage 3 (Year 7,8 and 9)
It is our aim to give students opportunities to use and apply a range of skills and techniques, in real life situations and within mathematics itself. The emphasis has been changed to problem solving and processes rather than content, encouraging a real understanding of the mathematical concepts instead of recall of mathematical facts.
Students follow the Pearson Schemes which provide excellent challenge in all areas of the curriculum, alongside problem solving, investigational and practical work. A range of Rich Tasks and Functional Maths Tasks are embedded into the Scheme of Work to help students develop independent learning skills. All students are regularly and rigorously assessed, being given specific targets for improvement. Students will be given opportunity to learn from these assessments and make excellent progress.
From the beginning of Year 7 students are placed into groups according to their attainment, so that learners can progress with others of similar ability. A common core of work is studied, although resources and content are tailored to the needs of the group.
Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11)
Students are placed in ability-based sets and follow a course which builds directly upon Key Stage 3. It enables students to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods.
Students will also need to use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts and apply the functional elements of maths in everyday and real life situations. There is a great emphasis on problem solving, functionality and mathematical reasoning throughout ks4.
At KS4 we use Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Higher and Foundation textbooks, published by Pearson’s, using one of two levels of texts to suit the range of abilities. The units of work for KS4 SOL are being written by maths teachers in line with the new specification, this is led by the Head of Mathematics.
The examination consists of three written papers each equally weighted, with two calculator papers and one non calculator paper. All students will sit the examination at the end of year 11 at either Tier F or H.
Key Stage 5 (Year 12 and 13)
Students who enjoy Mathematics will find the step up to the rigorous pace and challenge of the A-Level course rewarding. This substantially extends the topics covered in GCSE work, such as algebra, trigonometry and geometry, as well as introducing many new and complex mathematical concepts such as calculus and proof.
Students will also extend their knowledge of statistics, studying data analysis and presentation, probability and hypothesis testing. A feature of the new A-Level is the application of statistical techniques to large datasets. Students will additionally undertake the study of mechanics – using mathematics to model physical problems in the real world.
There is a significantly increased emphasis on the use of technology in teaching and learning, and there is an increased emphasis on problem solving.
At KS5, we use the EDEXCEL examination board.
Year 12 (AS standalone 1 year)
Paper 1: Pure Maths 1: 8mao/01 (2 hour) AS Pure maths content assessed.
Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics: 8mao/02 (1 hour) AS Statistics and Mechanics content assessed.
Year 13 (A Level 2 years)
Paper 1: Pure Maths 1 (2 hour): 9mao/01 AS and A level Pure maths content assessed.
Paper 2: Pure Maths 2 (2 hour): 9mao/02 AS and A level Pure maths content assessed.
Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics: 9mao/03 (2 hour) AS and A level Statistics and Mechanics content assessed.
Recommended websites for games/enrichment/revision/homework are:
www.math-drills.com (for foundation students)
