Mathematics
Aims and philosophy
The aim of the Mathematics department is for every pupil, whatever his ability, to fulfil his mathematical potential. In order to achieve this we strive to make our teaching clear, positive and, where possible, inspiring. We try to highlight the relevance of mathematics in every day life. We aim to provide teaching that is committed to the pupils and their individual needs.
Curriculum by year-group
IGCSE: We currently take the Edexcel IGCSE and we expect all our students to pass, with nearly all gaining at least a B grade. The most able are encouraged to explore the subject beyond the classroom and syllabus. The top divisions will usually be our future mathematicians, both at Sixth Form level and beyond, and we aim to teach with this in mind. The teaching in the lower divisions aims to demystify mathematics. We try to show that mathematics does not have to be either incomprehensible or boring and can even be fun. We encourage positive attitudes and have a readiness to give time on a one to one basis if necessary. The IGCSE course can be considered as four interlocking components; Number, Algebra, Shape & Space and Data Handling. There is no coursework component to IGCSE and both examination papers allow the use of a calculator. The IGCSE course requires the study of more advanced topics such as calculus, which provides a better preparation for AS maths and sciences.
We use the National Curriculum Mathematics by Vickers and Tipler and Mathematics for Edexcel GCSE by Banks and Alcorn.
GCSE Statistics is also run as an additional maths qualification for those boys who wish to study it.
A-level: In the Sixth Form we encourage independent learning, leading students to develop study techniques which they can carry forward into university life. We aim for most of our A-level
students to gain an A or B grade and for the small group of weaker students to achieve as good a grade as their ability allows. For weaker students we provide support throughout the year but in particular provide supplementary individual or small group tuition in the final weeks' preparation for A-level. The current A-level
course consists of six modules, four of which are Pure Mathematics. The other two modules will consist of some kind of combination from Mechanics, Statistics and Decision maths.
The best Sixth Form students are encouraged to pursue all or part of a Further Mathematics course and to probe the subject beyond the A-level syllabus. The most able students have the opportunity to take a third maths A-level in Statistics. We provide the opportunity for these students, and the more able students in the lower school, to take part in the Mathematical Challenges and aim to stimulate their interest with a variety of talks and lectures, both inside and outside the School.
Outside the classroom
Each year students are entered for the National Mathematical Challenges (Senior and Intermediate), with a few boys progressing to the first round of the Olympiad. The Sixth Form, in particular, are encouraged to attend lectures in London.
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