Maths
Welcome to the Mathematics Department
Head of Maths: Mr P McKernon
Second in department: Mr R Parry
Maths teachers: Miss James, Mr Downie & Mrs Simpson (HLTA).
The Mathematics Department
The Mathematics department consists of dedicated staff who aim to:
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Burnholme.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
The department is well resourced with interactive whiteboards in 3 of the 4 dedicated mathematics classrooms and a large selection of new hardcopy and interactive textbooks. The department also has access to 4 ICT suites which staff are encouraged to use whenever possible.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 to 9 students follow schemes of work closely linked to the National Curriculum. They are assessed regularly to gauge progress and are targeted for additional intervention based on the findings. Results in 2008/09 were excellent with 78% of students achieving Level 5 or above in the end of stage internal assessments and 51% of students gaining Level 6 or above. This represented a significant improvement from the previous year and meant that the department and students in partnership had surpassed their challenging targets.
Functional Skills is now being taught in Key Stage 3 with students entered for the Level 1 and Level 2 assessments in Year 8 and 9 based on their progress. Whilst this is a new development it has already proved popular as it enables the students to utilise the mathematics they study within a real-life context.
Key Stage 4
In year 10 and 11 students follow the AQA Modular examination syllabus. They are assessed at regular intervals throughout the year against their target levels as determined by the Fischer Family Trust (D criteria). The scheme of assessment consists of:
- Module 1 (Handling Data)
Two 30 minute exams, calculator and non-calculator, taken in the November of Year 10 that constitute 18% of a students final GCSE grade. If a student fails to achieve their target grade they will retake the examination in the following November.
- Module 3 (Number and Algebra).
Two 45 minute exams, calculator and non-calculator, taken in the June of Year 10 that constitute 27% of a students final GCSE grade. If a student fails to achieve their target grade they will retake the examination in the following March.
- Module 5 (Algebra and Shape, Space and Measures).
Two 1 hour 15 minute exams, calculator and non-calculator, taken in the June of Year 11 that constitute 55% of a students final GCSE grade.
Students receive online homework through the subscription website (mymaths.co.uk) on a weekly basis and their books are marked at least once a fortnight to enable members of staff to form an accurate view of a student’s progress. Staff provide tailored revision sessions prior to all external examinations to maximise student attainment.
The GCSE examination results in 2008/09 were especially pleasing with 58% of the students gaining A*-C grades. An achievement that meant the department and students in partnership had significantly exceeded their challenging targets.
Last updated: October 2009