Mathematics

Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.”

Albert Einstein

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries. It is essential for everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.

A high quality mathematical education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically and an appreciation of mathematics.

Our pupils achieve outstandingly well at all Key Stages and our results are significantly above the National Average year on year.

Here at St George’s Mathematics Department we always go the extra mile for your child:

Reward trips for those who show dedication and progress in the subject
Revision sessions during holidays for examination classes
After school and Saturday revision sessions for examination classes
Pupils across the year groups 7 and 8 are invited to Maths Puzzle Club, which takes place each week
Every spring, our most able pupils take part in the UKMT Maths Challenge where they need to put their problem solving skills to the test and we are proud of the number of bronze, silver and gold certificates that pupils receive
Pupils displaying strong mathematical knowledge at GCSE will be given the opportunity to take part in the mentoring scheme in year 12 where they mentor a year 11 pupil throughout the year

The Mathematics curriculum aims to offer our pupils the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the key mathematical components: proportional reasoning, geometrical reasoning and graphical representations. This is achieved through teaching these mathematical concepts from a first principle basis to develop a deeper understanding and becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics by developing their problem solving skills. Through our curriculum we aim for our pupils to link and master the different components to contextual real world problems, allowing pupils to appreciate the importance and power of mathematics in their everyday lives.

Want to find out more?
If you wish to find out more about Mathematics at St George’s please feel free to contact Ms C. Murden at c.murden@stgeorgesrc.org

Key Stage 3

The aim is to enable pupils to master their prior knowledge acquired from Key Stage 2, allowing pupils to develop their mental and written arithmetic skills. Calculators are introduced in Year 9.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum affords our pupils the opportunity to explore the key concepts; Numbers and their Relations, Algebra, Shape and Space, Representing and Interpreting Data, Geometry and Measures and Ratio and Proportion through varied activities to instil the love of mathematics alongside building pupils' confidence in their own ability.

The aim of the Key Stage 3 curriculum is to provide the foundation of the key concepts so our pupils are secure and confident to apply their understanding to the more in-depth Key Stage 4 programme.

Pupils have four contact hours per week. Homework is set twice a week in Years 7 and 8; and three times per week in Year 9; to provide pupils with an opportunity to practise the skills taught in lessons and to consolidate their understanding.

End of topic assessments (approximately every two weeks) will be given by class teachers. For these assessments pupils will receive a percentage only. End of term assessments will be completed at the end of each half term. All of the above assessments will be in their exercise books with parents’ signatures and feedback.

Useful links for homework and revision:

MathsWatch Collins Connect

Year 7 Topics

Autumn term 1:

Adding and Subtracting Integers
Multiplying and Dividing Integers
Decimals; Ordering, Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Money Questions
Negatives in Real Life
Four Rules of Negatives
BIDMAS and Inverse Operations
Factors, Multiples and Primes
Highest Common Factor
Lowest Common Multiple

Autumn term 2:

Rounding to the nearest 10, 100, given Decimal Place and Significant Figures
Squares, Cubes and Roots
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Working with Indices
Product of Primes
Standard Form
Exchanging Money
Fractions; Equivalent, Simplifying, Comparing Fractions, Adding, Subtracting and Finding a Fraction of an Amount

Spring term 1:

Introduction to Algebraic Conversions
Function Machines
Algebraic Manipulation - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
Forming Expressions
Simple Geometric Definitions
Polygons
Symmetries
Coordinates
Angles; Names, Measuring and Drawing
Drawing a Triangle using a Protractor
Angles on a Given Line and at a Point

Spring term 2:

Tally Charts and Bar Charts
Pictograms
Vertical Line Charts
Frequency Tables and Diagrams
Perimeter and Area of a Rectangle and Triangle
Properties of Solids and Nets

Summer term 1:

Integers; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Decimals; Ordering, Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Money Questions
Four Rules of Negatives
BIDMAS and Inverse Operations
Factors, Multiples, Product of Primes, HCF and LCM
Rounding to the nearest 10, 100, given Decimal Place and Significant Figures for Estimating Answers
Working with Indices and Standard Form

Summer term 2:

Fractions; Equivalent, Simplifying, Comparing, Adding, Subtracting and Finding a Fraction of an Amount
Algebraic Manipulation - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
Forming Expressions
Angles; Names, Measuring, Drawing, Angles on a Given Line and at a Point
Tally Charts, Bar Charts, Pictograms, Vertical Line Charts and Frequency Tables and Diagrams
Perimeter and Area of a Rectangle and a Triangle

Year 8 Topics

Autumn term 1:

Integers; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Four Rules of Negatives
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Fractions; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Reciprocals
Standard Form
Factors, Multiples and Product of Primes
Highest Common Factor
Lowest Common Multiple
Working with Indices

Autumn term 2:

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Calculate Percentage of an Amount (without a calculator), Increase/Decrease by a Percentage Amount
Value for Money
Introduction to Proportion
Area and Perimeter; Parallelogram, Trapezium and Circle
Algebraic Manipulation; Simplifying and Factorising Expressions
Substitution
Solving Equations
Sequences; Generate Special Sequences

Spring term 1:

Introduction to Proportion
Money Questions
Exchanging Money
Ratio; using Ratio for Recipe Questions and Sharing Amounts using Ratio
Data - Discrete and Continuous
Two-way Tables
Frequency Trees
Averages and the Range

Spring term 2:

Reflections
Rotations
Translations
Angles at a Point and between Parallel Lines
Angles in a Triangle
Properties of Special Triangles
Probability; Listing Outcomes, Calculating Probabilities and Mutually Exclusive Probabilities
Increase/Decrease by a Percentage Amount

Summer term 1:

Integers; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Four Rules of Negatives
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Fractions; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Reciprocals, Indices and Standard Form
Factors, Multiples, Product of Primes, HCF and LCM
Percentages; Calculate an Amount (without a calculator) and Increase/Decrease by a Percentage
Value for Money and Proportion
Area and Perimeter; Parallelogram, Trapezium and Circle
Algebra; Simplifying, Factorising Expressions and Solving Equations

Summer term 2:

Ratio; using Ratio for Recipe Questions and Sharing Amounts using Ratio
Data - Representation and Interpretation
Transformations; Reflections, Rotations and Translations
Angles; at a Point, between Parallel Lines and in a Triangle
Probability; Listing Outcomes, Calculating Probabilities and Mutually Exclusive Probabilities

Year 9 Topics

Autumn term 1:

Integers; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Fractions; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, Dividing and Finding a Fraction of an Amount
Percentages; Calculate Increase/Decrease, Change to a Percentage, Percentage Change and Reverse Percentages
Simple Interest Calculations
Index Notation
Introduction to Bounds

Autumn term 2:

Algebra; Simplifying Expressions, Expanding Brackets, Forming and Solving Formulae/Equations
Factorise Quadratics
Generate a Sequence from the nth Term and Finding the nth Term
Straight Line Graphs; Sketching and Finding the Gradient of a Line
Drawing Quadratic Graphs
Surface Area of a Prism
Volume of a Prism

Spring term 1:

Metric Conversions
Properties of Special Triangles
Angles; Angles in a Triangle and between Parallel Lines
Angles of Polygons; Interior and Exterior of Regular and Irregular Polygons
Bearings
Probability; Listing Outcomes, Calculating Probabilities and Mutually Exclusive Events

Spring term 2:

Data - Discrete and Continuous, Two-way Tables, Frequency Trees, Pie Charts and Scatter Graphs
Averages and the Range
Transformations; Reflections, Translations, Rotations and Enlargements
Pythagoras’ Theorem
Ratio; Sharing Amounts using Ratio, using Ratio in Recipe Style Questions
Proportion

Summer term 1:

Integers, Fractions and Decimals
Percentages; Increase/Decrease, Change to a Percentage, Percentage Change, Reverse Percentages and Simple Interest Calculations
Index Notation
Bounds
Algebra; Simplifying Expressions, Expanding Brackets, Forming and Solving Formulae/Equations
Factorise Quadratics
Generate a Sequence from the nth Term and Finding the nth Term
Drawing Straight Line Graphs and Quadratic Graphs
Surface Area and Volume of a Prism
Angles; between Parallel Lines, Polygons and Bearings

Summer term 2:

Probability; Listing Outcomes, Calculating Probabilities and Mutually Exclusive Events
Data - Discrete and Continuous, Two-way Tables, Frequency Trees, Pie Charts and Scatter Graphs
Averages and the Range
Transformations; Reflections, Translations, Rotations and Enlargements
Pythagoras’ Theorem
Ratio; Sharing using Ratio, using Ratio in Recipe Style Questions and Proportion

Key Stage 4

GCSE Mathematics is perhaps the most important qualification that your child will receive.

It not only gives pupils the knowledge to deal with practical problems in the real world, it is also an important subject when applying for Further Education and employment.

The aim at Key Stage 4 is to enable pupils to master and enhance the knowledge acquired from Key Stage 3 whilst linking the various concepts in the mathematics curriculum. Pupils are taught to draw on alternative methods to solve such complex problems keeping in line with the demands of the GCSE curriculum.

At Key Stage 4 we empower our pupils to build their confidence within the key concepts; Numbers, Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Ratio and Proportion through a range of activities to complement their knowledge and skills developed in Key Stage 2 and 3. Every lesson, teachers aim to link the concepts covered to GCSE exam style questioning.

Pupils have five contact hours per week in year 10 and year 11. Homework is set three to four times per week to provide pupils with an opportunity to practise the skills taught in lessons and to consolidate their understanding.

Our exam board is Edexcel.

Useful links for homework and revision:

MathsWatch Collins Connect

Commencing Year 11; pupils are given a CGP Knowledge Organiser which has all the essential formulae and facts to aid in their revision.

There are two mock examinations in year 11: November/December and March. At the end of year 11 pupils will sit their GCSE Mathematics papers; one non-calculator and two calculator papers. There are two tiers of papers Foundation Tier with grades 1-5 and Higher Tier with grades 4-9.

Year 10 Topics

Autumn term 1:

Negative Indices
Bounds
Error Intervals
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Mathematical Reasoning
Percentages; Percentage Change, Reverse Percentages, Simple Interest, Compound Interest and Depreciation problems
Growth and Decay Problems
Algebra; Simplifying Expressions, Forming and Solving Equations
Factorise Quadratics
Inequalities on a Number Line and Solving Linear Inequalities

Autumn term 2:

Fibonacci Sequences
Geometric Progressions
Straight Line Graphs; the Gradient of a Line and the Midpoint of a Line
Finding the Equation of a Straight Line
Simultaneous Equations; Algebraically and Graphically
Factorising and Solving Quadratics
The Difference of Two Squares
Roots and Turning Points of Quadratics

Spring term 1:

Tangents, Arcs, Sectors and Segments
Area and Perimeter of a Sector of a Circle
Surface Area and Volume; Spheres, Pyramids, Cones and Frustums
Compound Units
Distance-Time Graphs
Constructions; Bisecting an Angle, Perpendiculars and Drawing Triangles using a Compass
Loci

Spring term 2:

Pythagoras’ Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios to Find Missing Sides and Angles in Right-Angled Triangles
Exact Trigonometric Values
Probability; Venn Diagrams and Tree Diagrams
Data - Sampling Populations, Stratified Sampling and Time Series Graphs
Similar Shapes
Congruent Triangles
Scale Drawings
Introduction to Vectors

Summer term 1:

Negative Indices
Bounds and Error Intervals
Mathematical Reasoning
Percentages; Percentage Change, Reverse Percentages, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Depreciation, Growth and Decay Problems
Inequalities on a Number Line and Solving Linear Inequalities
Fibonacci and Geometric Progressions
Straight Line Graphs; the Gradient of a Line, Midpoint of a Line and Finding the Equation of a Straight Line
Simultaneous Equations; Algebraically and Graphically
Quadratics; Factorising, Solving, Roots and Turning Points

Summer term 2:

Tangent, Arcs, Sectors and Segments
Surface Area and Volume; Spheres, Pyramids, Cones and Frustums
Compound Units and Distance-Time Graphs
Constructions and Loci
Trigonometry; Pythagoras’ Theorem and Trigonometric Ratios
Probability; Venn Diagrams and Tree Diagrams
Data - Sampling Populations, Stratified Sampling and Time Series
Similar Shapes and Congruent Triangles
Introduction to Vectors

Year 11 Foundation Topics

Autumn term 1:

Negative Indices
Bounds
Error Intervals
Estimating Answers and using Place Value
Mathematical Reasoning
Percentages; Percentage Change, Reverse Percentages, Simple Interest, Compound Interest and Depreciation problems
Growth and Decay Problems
Algebra; Simplifying Expressions, Forming and Solving Equations
Inequalities on a Number Line and Solving Linear Inequalities

Autumn term 2:

Fibonacci Sequences
Geometric Progressions
Straight Line Graphs; the Gradient of a Line and the Midpoint of a Line
Finding the Equation of a Straight Line
Simultaneous Equations; Algebraically and Graphically
Factorising and Solving Quadratics
The Difference of Two Squares
Roots and Turning Points of Quadratics

Spring term 1:

Tangents, Arcs, Sectors and Segments
Area and Perimeter of a Sector of a Circle
Surface Area and Volume; Spheres, Pyramids, Cones and Frustums
Compound Units
Distance-Time Graphs
Constructions; Bisecting an Angle, Perpendiculars and Drawing Triangles using a Compass
Loci

Spring term 2:

Pythagoras’ Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios to Find Missing Sides and Angles in Right-Angled Triangles
Exact Trigonometric Values
Probability; Venn Diagrams and Tree Diagrams
Data - Sampling Populations, Stratified Sampling and Time Series Graphs
Similar Shapes
Congruent Triangles
Scale Drawings
Introduction to Vectors

Year 11 Higher Topics

Autumn term 1:

Mathematical Reasoning, Negative Indices, Error Intervals and Standard Form
Recurring Decimals to Fractions
Upper and Lower Bounds
Surds
Direct and Inverse Proportion
Product of Three Binomials
Factorising Quadratics with a coefficient >1
Iterative Processes
Algebraic Proof
Transformations - Negative Scale Factor

Autumn term 2:

Proof and Application of Circle Theorems
Similarity - Area and Volume and Congruency
Trigonometry - The Sine and Cosine Rule, Pythagoras’ Theorem and Trigonometric Ratios in 3D Shapes
Data - Cumulative Frequency Tables, Boxplots and Histograms
Finding the Equation of Perpendicular Lines

Spring term 1:

Algebraic Fractions
Roots and Turning Points of Quadratics
Completing the Square
Simultaneous Equations with a Quadratic Equation
Functions; Inverse and Composite
Finding the Equation of a Line given Two Points and the Equation of Perpendicular Lines
Equation of a Circle
Pythagoras on a Line
Distance-Time Graphs and Velocity-Time Graphs
Quadratic Sequences
Regions

Spring term 2:

Finding the Equation of a Line given Two Points and the Equation of Perpendicular Lines
Quadratic Inequalities
Vectors
Trigonometric Graphs
Transformation of Functions
Surface Area and Volume; Spheres, Cones, Pyramids and Frustums

Key Stage 5

Many universities consider mathematics to be one of the most valuable A-levels.

You will have the opportunity to develop decision making and problem solving skills, transferable to any career path you choose.

The aim at Key Stage 5 is to enable pupils to develop into mathematical scholars through an enquiring and investigative approach to their mathematical studies. We actively encourage independent research and study outside of the curriculum in preparation for their higher educational studies.

Having mastered a secure mathematical background at grade 7 or above in their GCSE, we aim for our pupils to explore the many fields that surround mathematics.

The key areas we focus on are Pure and Applied Mathematics, including Statistics and Mechanics. Teachers aim to consistently link the applied content to other Key Stage 5 curriculums within the school so pupils broaden their background of what they can do with a solid mathematical education.

We also offer our highly able pupils the opportunity to study the Further Mathematics syllabus including Core and Further Pure Mathematics. Teachers at Key Stage 5 challenge pupils' analytical problem solving skills through targeted questioning which allows the pupils to mature into highly sought after mathematicians.

Our exam board is Edexcel.

A-Level Mathematics:

Paper 1 and Paper 2 Pure Mathematics

Topics include: Proof, Algebra and Functions, Co-ordinate Geometry in the (x,y) Plane, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and Logarithms, Vectors, Binomial Expansion, Differentiation, Integration and Numerical Methods.

Paper 3 Statistics and Mechanics

Topics include: Data Presentation and Interpretation, Correlation and Regression, Statistical Distributions, Normal Distribution and Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability, Kinematics, Forces and Newton's Laws, Moments, Projectiles, Application of Forces and Further Kinematics.

A-Level Further Mathematics:

Paper 1 and 2 Core Mathematics

Topics include: Complex Numbers, Series, Roots of Polynomials, Volumes of Revolution, Matrices, Linear Transformations, Proof by Induction, Vectors, Methods in Calculus, Polar Coordinates, Hyperbolic Functions, Methods in Differential Equations and Modelling with Differential Equations.

Paper 3 and 4 Further Pure Mathematics

Topics include: Inequalities, Vectors, Conic Sections, Taylor Series, Methods in Calculus, Numerical Methods, Reducible Differential Equations, Number Theory, Groups, Recurrence Relations, Matrix Algebra and Integration Techniques.

Careers

Mathematics is a pre-requisite for some degree courses: Physics, Accountancy, Mathematics and Statistics, Engineering and Economics. With a mathematics degree graduates can seek employment in the business, science, or technology sectors.