The Mathematics Department

Department Staff

Departmental Aims

The Mathematics Department constitutes a hardworking, enthusiastic and dedicated team of ten full-time, specialist members of staff. The Department aims to give the best possible education to each child and staff work hard to ensure that every pupil achieves their potential. The Department provides a positive, focussed learning environment and have an open door policy to encourage students at all key stages to come for help whenever needed.

Mathematics holds a very high status, not only within the school but also with students and parents.  In our recent OFSTED inspection (May 2007) the Mathematics department was judged to be outstanding in all Key Stages. This years contextual value added (CVA) for the department places us in the top 1% of all schools nationally for KS 2 to 3 and KS 2 to 4 (the department’s results are attached).  Canon Palmer has specialist status in Science and Mathematics and, as a result, the department takes a lead role in whole school initiatives.

Facilities and resources

The mathematics department have recently moved (Jan 08) to the new Maths and Science block (Bede House) and occupies the entire first floor. Every teaching room has SMART interactive boards and teachers use a range of ICT packages to aid teaching, including the online software MyMaths, which students are encouraged to use at home.

Extra curricular

Students are entered for the UK Mathematics Challenge and the East London Mathematics Competition and annually some of our Year 9’s get selected to attend Master Classes in Queen Mary University. We also take students on residential and day trips to enhance and enrich their mathematical skills. We recently organised a theatre trip to watch ‘A disappearing number’ aimed at Sixth Formers and there will be an opportunity to see ‘Arcadia’, another interesting play including higher level ideas.

Key Stage 3

In Year 7 the pupils are split into two half-year groups.  Initially they are taught in their mixed ability tutor groups.  At the end of October the pupils are put into sets (6 tutor groups into 8 sets).  The setting is based on a test, together with other evidence such as class work and homework from the first half term and Key Stage 2 results.  There are four sets within each half-year. Yr7 Pupils who need extra support are given a CD of resources to work on at home to supplement class teaching. The setting is similar in Years 8, with four sets in each half-year group. Years 9, 10 and 11 are grouped into 8 sets, which are all taught at the same time, thus allowing setting across the year group.  Year 9 pupils sit National Curriculum SATs style tests of which set 1 take the levels 6-8 paper, sets 2 and 3 levels 5-7, sets 4, 5 and 6 levels 4-6 and sets 7 and 8 sit levels 3-5.  Pupils are tested regularly and this information, together with homework and classwork marks, is used to review the sets, with pupils being moved between sets as appropriate.
The Key Stage 3 schemes have been reviewed to incorporate the key features of the National Numeracy Strategy. A variety of resources are used, with the main textbooks being Key Maths at Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 4

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow the Edexcel GCSE.  The majority of the students follow the linear course, with our lower sets following the foundation modular course.  Sets are reviewed regularly and adjustments made half-termly.  We also offer GCSE Statistics as an option and currently a third of the year group have chosen to study this course.   In Year 11, the top 20 or so students are given the opportunity to take a free standing mathematics qualification – Additional Mathematics, parallel to their GCSE Maths. The main text books used at KS4 are Heinemann and MEP, which are issued to each pupil. In addition the Department has a variety of other books and resources available for use in class to supplement the main textbook. 

Key stage 5

A Level Mathematics is a very popular choice with around half of the entire sixth form students choosing to study the subject. In Year 12, AS students study two core modules (C); C2) and one applied module (S1). Our Year 13 A2 students study two further core modules (C3; C4) and one applied module (M1). In addition, we offer AS and A2 Further Mathematics which allows students to extend their knowledge of both Pure and Applied topics and promotes access to the top university courses.

Parent Booklets

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