KS4 Maths

Curriculum Content

Under the National Curriculum four Attainment Targets (ATs) are covered:
AT1 Using and applying Mathematics
AT2 Number and Algebra
AT3 Shape, space and measures
AT4 Handling data

Teaching Methods

A variety of methods is used in this Faculty. In Years 10 and 11 most work is book based but there are some practical and investigative topics and oral work.

Resources

The scheme used is based on Key Mathematics. There are three complementary series of books (foundation, intermediate and higher) and pupils follow a course suitable to their ability. Computer programs are used from time to time both within the courses and for remediation and enrichment.

Skills and Knowledge

The course enables pupils to become numerate, to apply the Mathematics learnt to solving problems both in Mathematics and other subjects, to present the solutions in the language of Mathematics in written work, diagrams and orally, to appreciate the power of Mathematics and to stimulate interest and the desire to find out.

Pupils will learn skills which include: communication; observation and collection of data; measurement; accuracy; data handling; computation - mental, written and calculator; reasoning and decision making.

Assessment

Candidates are entered for the Mathematics Specification A, offered by AQA.

Ongoing assessment is carried out through routine classwork, homework, formal tests and, more informally, by talking to pupils about their Mathematics. Every chapter of each book is linked to the National Curriculum so each pupil's performance can be judged against the Levels of Attainment. This enables us to enter pupils for the correct level at Key Stage 4. For this there are two final examination papers, one calculator and one non-calculator. Using and Applying Mathematics (AT1) is assessed by a piece of coursework. Handling Data (AT4) is assessed by another piece of coursework. The examinations are worth 80% and the coursework is worth 20% of the final mark.

There are three possible tiers of entry - Higher for grades A* to C, Intermediate for grades B to E, and Foundation for grades D to G.

From September 2006, all pupils beginning year 10 will have only 2 tiers of entry:
Higher: A* - D
Intermediate: B - G

Entry Level Cerficate

This is available for those unlikely to achieve a grade at GCSE.

Support

The Learning Support department has worked closely and successfully with the Mathematics department in a partnership which has succeeded in raising the standards of pupils who might not otherwise have achieved their potential. By using one to one and team teaching techniques we have provided a flexible framework, adaptable to changing needs.

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