Mathematics The Mathematics course will focus on preparing students for both the Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level courses. The key to success in the Sixth Form courses is a strong basis of mathematical skills, especially with regards to the different algebraic techniques. In addition to this, we will be seeking to help further develop the mindset of the students to encourage them to utilise their current skills in unfamiliar scenarios, and to try a variety of different approaches to solving problems, even when uncertain if a given method is the most effective. Lesson Outline: Week 1: Algebraic manipulation An introduction to the geographical sequence of enquiry; hypotheses, background theory, methodology, data presentation, data analysis, conclusions and evaluation. Week 2: Algebraic manipulation This will continue the focus on algebra from week 1. The students may be working on different specific areas of the course or pushing themselves onwards to extension problems and related areas of recreational mathematics. Week 3: Extending GCSE level techniques Many A Level questions can be reduced to GCSE techniques. Creativity of solutions will be the key for working out how to solve these problems and we will be focusing on developing the attitude of how to approach a problem, when you don’t know how to approach the problem! Week 4: Extending GCSE level techniques Continuing to extend GCSE level techniques and possibly looking at some A Level exam questions to discuss approaches and methodologies, dependent on the groups’ progress by that time. Project Outcome: Students taking this course, will improve their knowledge, confidence and ability to be creative with the topics taught at IGCSE level. This will enable the students to not only address any existing issues, but also to allow them the opportunity to push themselves further, in a risk-free setting, thus developing into mathematicians more able to cope with the demands of the Sixth Form courses.
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