MATHEMATICS

Year 9 Course Outline

Pupils in Year 9 start to focus on the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus. The major emphasis for all groups is on the accuracy of number work and gaining a solid understanding of algebra as these principles underpin all other areas of the syllabus. The programme of study will recap and build on work initially introduced in Years 7-8, looking at making connections across the syllabus, and then introduce some contextual questions which pupils will commonly encounter in public examinations. Pupils will also extend their knowledge of geometry to include trigonometry and circle theorems. The development of skills to analyse questions and decide on important mathematical requirements set in worded problems will be embedded into lessons. Pupils are assessed by continuous formative assessment and regular progress tests through the year to prepare them for three formal assessments, one before Christmas, one before Easter and one towards the end of the summer term, which will test understanding of all topics covered. Pupils use devices where appropriate to access electronic activities and information.

Year 10 and 11 Course Outline

The programme of study at IGCSE covers the core topics of Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics to include manipulation of number and the number system, equations, formulae and identities, sequences, functions and graphs, shape, space and measure, trigonometry, vectors, transformations and an introduction to differential calculus. The statistics topics covered include the graphical representation of data, use of statistical measures and probability. All groups sit the higher tier Edexcel IGCSE at the end of Year 11.

In Year 11, the three Extend groups proceed onto the syllabus for the OCR Additional Mathematics (Level 3) qualification which, where appropriate, they sit alongside IGCSE at the end of Year 11. The Additional Mathematics qualification covers some of the material encountered at the beginning of the A Level course such as additional algebra, coordinate geometry, further trigonometry, differentiation and integration as well as some application to kinematics.

The choice to sit the exam in Additional Mathematics is largely dependent on pupils’ individual confidence levels and workload. The decision to sit the formal exam paper is made after careful discussion with their teacher and in agreement with parents. Just having been introduced to the ideas covered by the Additional Mathematics course is often enough to strengthen understanding considerably and prepare pupils for further study at a higher level. Pass grades for the Additional Maths paper are at A to E grade as with AS Level qualifications.

For pupils in the Core groups, AQA Further Mathematics level 2 certificate is offered as a lunchtime club to provide an opportunity for those pupils who wish to pursue further study to do so. Both qualifications are good preparation for study of Mathematics beyond Year 11.

Skills Required and Developed

A good grasp of number work (fractions, percentages, ratios, indices etc) is essential. The course aims to develop confidence in the use of mathematics to solve problems and pupils are introduced to a wide range of skills and techniques across many topic areas. Practice and experimentation are required to gain a full appreciation of the application of mathematics and pupils will be expected to develop the skills to enable them to choose appropriate methods to solve a given problem and apply these methods accurately to gain the highest grades.

External Assessment

The Edexcel IGCSE course does not contain non-examined assessment. The higher tier IGCSE is examined through two 2 hour papers at the end of the course. A calculator may be used in both papers. There is one 2 hour examination paper for the OCR Additional Mathematics qualification. There are two 1 hour 45 minute papers for Further Mathematics, with one of them being a non-calculator paper.

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Beyond the Classroom

Help and support is always at hand within the department and drop-in maths academic tutoring runs once a week. This is for any to get help with questions that they might have about tasks set or ideas covered in lessons. We encourage those with any degree of difficulty or confusion to access topic based support related to the curriculum covered in lessons during the week.

All pupils are encouraged to ask as many questions as possible to clarify understanding and there is an expectation that pupils will actively use materials and notes provided in lessons alongside support offered to practise and consolidate knowledge outside lessons. We have a Dr Frost course for each group which pupils can access independently to gain help and support with the majority of topics when outside the classroom or at home.

Extend band pupils at PGS sit the Junior Maths Challenge whilst in Years 7-8, the Intermediate Maths Challenge in Years 9-11 and then the Senior Maths Challenge in Sixth Form, which can lead on to further competitive tests such as British Maths Olympiad rounds.

Further Information

Mr T Fairman, Head of Mathematics, Tel 023 9236 0036, Email t.fairman@pgs.org.uk

Mrs S Smith, Second i/c Mathematics, Tel 023 9236 0036, Email s.smith@pgs.org.uk

Exam Board Website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcsemathematics-a-2016.html https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/fsmq/ https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/further-mathematics-8365/introduction