Mathematics

Please click on the link below to view the MVC Celebrates Mathematics Booklet for Summer 2010

MVC Celebrates Mathematics  

Understanding progress in mathematics

Mathematics Tables

Staff

The mathematics department is fully staffed with 4 excellent teachers

Mr. Rayner (Head of Department)

Mr. Wainwright (2^nd in Department)

Mr. Holmes (Assistant Warden, Head of Newton)

Mr. Holder

KS3

September 2008 sees the introduction of the new Secondary Curriculum and the renewing of the Secondary Frameworks, including the Framework for Mathematics.

Aims:

The mathematics Department aims to actively engage students so that they become successful learners and successful in life.

We aim to achieve this through our teaching and extra activities we run with students at MVC. We do this on a daily basis by:

• Having high expectations of all pupils
• Generating a culture of cooperation and mutual respect between pupils and staff
• Celebrating success at a class and department level
• Encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own learning
• Developing and fostering an ongoing interest for the subject
• Using a range of teaching styles and approaches
• Reflecting on and developing our own practice as a department and as individuals

To help us achieve our aims we have the unit of learning we are developing as the new curriculum rolls out. At the core of the units of learning is a desire to see our pupils gain the skills which will enable them to enter work and adult life as confident and capable adults. To do this we need to not just focus on the functional skills of mathematics but also their personal, learning and thinking skills (PLT’s). The functional skills of mathematics can be broken down into the key processes and concepts which are fundamental to a deep understanding of the subject and implicit within the units of learning.

We believe all pupils have the right to be challenged and to find enjoyment in mathematics

Grouping arrangements:

In year 7 a "fast track" group will be identified on the basis of available evidence from KS2 and from initial testing at the college. The other students will be placed in three parallel, mixed ability groups. Movement between the FT group and the mixed ability groups may result from end of unit assessments but is dependent upon consultation with other curriculum areas.

In years 8 and 9. All students are setted on the basis of their class assessments and end of year exams. Movement between the groups and may result from end of unit assessments but can dependent upon consultation with other curriculum areas.

Homework:

One homework per week is set. This may vary in nature but will generally be based on the unit of learning they are currently covering

Assessment:

Each half term there will be an assessment piece which is awarded a National Curriculum level. This will be followed by an A, B or C to indicate whether the piece is towards the top, middle or bottom of the level.

At the end of Key Stage 3 the pupils will sit a SATS exam to work out their KS3 national curriculum level.

Additional Information:

Maths workshop: This takes place every Thursday afterschool in room 5. Any pupils can come and it’s a chance for them to do some extra maths of their choosing.

Jaguar maths challenge: The Jaguar Cars “Maths in Motion” Challenge provides an engaging activity which aims to raise the standards in Mathematics. Based around the Formula 1 racing circuits, students must setup their racing cars to suit a specific circuit and weather conditions. This involves many aspects of Mathematics including measurement, percentages, trial and improvement and geometry. There is also a national competition in which our students race against students from other participating schools.

National Cipher Challenge: Runs in November, from the University of Southampton.

Junior Maths Challenge: Open to 7 and 8 ft. Also a small number from sets 2 in year 7 and 8 depending on numbers in ft.

Nrich: We have recently had a lot of pupils get solutions published on the nrich website. We encourage as many pupils to access this website as possible. Positive referrals for any pupils who do.

Pupil of the Week: Every Friday a student is selected by each of the maths department as their pupil of the week. It can be awarded for work done in class or for excellent exam results. A pupil can only be awarded it once in a year by their teacher. The student receives a positive referral and a letter home.

Key Stage 4

Students start their key stage 4 work during the last half term of year 9. We follow the Edexcel modular course (specification 2381) and pupils sit the first unit in November of year 10. The course consists of 3 units taken over years 10 and 11. Details of what the course covers can be found at http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse-leg/maths/2381/Pages/default.aspx.

Below is a table detailing when year 10 and 11 will take each unit:

Calculators will not be lent out during exams so it is very important that students bring these with them plus all the usual correct mathematical equipment.