Mathematics
Key Stage 3
Year 7
In year 7 we follow a Learning to Learn curriculum alongside the new programme of study for Key Stage 3, which began in September 2008. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and have lessons split into skills based or context based. Each 2 terms has a theme which we link mathematical skills too that lead nicely into contextual projects or activities. This challenges the students to use and apply their skills in unfamiliar situations and promotes team work, discussion and communication. The year leads up to a large team project building a hot air balloon.
We also celebrate our school’s technology college status with a 2 day event in the summer for all Year 7 students to take part. Recent years we have had two days based upon Crime Scene Investigation, with students learning how to gather evidence and then solving a murder mystery.
Year 7 overview:
Term 1 and 2: Theme is Communication
Skills met: arithmetic, negative numbers, fraction skills, basic algebra skills
Activities: Russian multiplication, mental arithmetic using sign language, codes and ciphers, planning a journey to Paris project.
Term 3 and 4: Theme is Health
Skills met: Averages, charts, percentages, proportion, units
Activities: Diet, recipes, birth and death rates project, BMI, Exercise and pulse rate
Term 5 and 6: Theme is Bristol and Enterprise
Skills met: Plans and elevations, probability, decimals, scale drawings, types of number, area and perimeter
Activities: Redesigning Bristol, SWOT and Logo creation, office plan project, famous mathematicians, timelines, building a hot air balloon.
In 2007 students completed an enrichment day building a catapult. They worked in teams making and then testing their catapult. The team whose catapult could throw the furthest won the day.
Year 8
The students are now set and each term students meet skills in the four main areas of mathematics: Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Handling Data. Students still complete activities that are in context and unfamiliar applying the new skills they meet and learn, developing their skills from Year 7 into problem solving.
Year 9
Terms 1 to 4 concentrate on developing students' learning to prepare them for the SATs exams in May. Once the SATs exams are completed students begin their GCSE course spending terms 5 and 6 developing their skills in Functional Mathematics. This is an extra qualification that students will receive that is equivalent to half a GCSE. It is currently in the pilot phase but will become statutory in 2010. The two terms develop students' skills to apply their mathematics in unfamiliar contexts, making decisions about what skills they need to use to solve a problem. The problems are mature and advanced and involve real life situations.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 and 11
Students complete the AQA Modular course. The course comprises of the four main areas and is offered over two tiers. Each tier is able to achieve a grade C. There is no longer any coursework for our students
Entry Level
For some students we also offer an Entry Level qualification in Numeracy. This is done online in Year 11.
BTEC
We are currently involved in a three year pilot of a BTEC course in Mathematical Applications. A single group of students is chosen to be taught this course alongside their GCSE. The course is assessed through 100% coursework and enables the students to learn their skills through the context of sport. Many of our students have taken part in this course have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our gifted and talented students take part in Mathematics Challenges, with team challenges for Years 8 and 9 and Year 12.
In Year 11 our gifted and talented students go to UWE for an afternoon to meet some advanced mathematics, to enable students to see what Post 16 Mathematics has to offer
Year 12 and 13 students go to UWE for revision days.
Year 7 take part in the two day event in Crime Scene Investigation
Year 9 and 10 take part in a Jaguar competition using software and skills to develop a racing car. Some students then go onto higher levels of the competition taking part in national finals.
The BTEC students go on many trips to Chepstow Race course, Bath Rugby Club, Bath University, Ice Rink.
Grade C achievers in Year 10 take part in RAF workshops and Robotic days.
