Mathematics

Department Staff

 

  • Head of Department: Mrs L Martin
  • Mr J Thomas - 2iC, Mathematics Teacher (part-time)
  • Mrs E Dickson - Mathematics Teacher (part-time)
  • Miss S Girdler - Mathematics Teacher
  • Mr McIlroy – Mathematics Teacher, Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator
  • Mr A Woods - Mathematics Teacher (part-time)
  • Miss P Mason - Mathematics Teacher

 

Department Introduction

 

Welcome to Mathematics at Queen Elizabeth’s, where we aim to inspire, challenge and encourage your child to achieve their best in mathematics. All the members of the department are mathematics specialists and use their expertise to help stimulate and develop students’ mathematical ability, as well as an enjoyment of the subject’s intrinsic logic and beauty.

Every Key Stage curriculum is enriched by stretch and challenge material, as well as group problem solving activities. ICT is an integral part of Mathematics at Queen Elizabeth’s, with multimedia projectors in every room, and Interactive Whiteboards in most. We make extensive use of a wide range of online learning platforms, including Dr Frost Maths, MathsPad and MyMaths.

 

Key Stage 3

 

Children are taught in form groups throughout Year 7, and are placed in upper and lower ability bands at the beginning of Year 8.

We use a bespoke scheme of work, supported by the use of a range of online resources. Our aim is for students to master the eighty key skills we have identified as most essential for success in key stage 4. 

In both years, a variety of topics will be taught from number, algebra, statistics and shape. Tests are set usually once a term, as well as an end of year exam.

We expect students to find the curriculum challenging and interesting. The scheme of work offers plenty of scope for stretching the most able students by applying their maths skills to unusual contexts. We also run support sessions for students who need additional help.

Half of each year group in year 7 and 8 will enter the Junior Maths Challenge organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. We get a number of gold certificates and students qualifying for follow-on rounds each year.

 

Key Stage 4

 

At the start of Year 9 there are five classes taking Mathematics, set according to ability. We follow the 9-1 specification from Edexcel. The top set is also stretched by the AQA Further Mathematics course at Level 2.

Our scheme of work is aligned to the key skills on Dr Frost Maths, and we make use of a variety of other online and offline resources to provide a varied and challenging curriculum. 

The top set in each year group, as well as any other interested students, are entered for the Intermediate Maths Challenge organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. We get a number of students qualifying for follow-on rounds each year.

 

Key Stage 5

 

Mathematics is a popular choice at A level; in Year 12 and 13 there are three groups taking Mathematics and one taking Further Mathematics. We follow the Edexcel course.

We hope our sixth form students will take up the opportunity of being involved with our mentoring and support program. Sixth form students assist either in lower school classes or by tutoring lower school students outside of lesson time. This gives them an opportunity to develop a different set of skills.

Extra-curricular enrichment activities are highly regarded by the Faculty. As well as attending Mathematics lectures, we enter students for the UK Maths Challenge at Senior level as well as a variety of other national and international competitions. 

We also have a cohort of students who study Maths in Context during year 12 and 13. We offer this course to support students who are taking A-levels with a quantitative element but who are not studying A-level Mathematics, or those who simply wish to keep their mathematical skills fresh.