Mathematics

The Mathematics Department adopts the White Rose Scheme of Learning at KS3 & KS4. The aim of this course is to develop a culture of deep understanding, confidence, and competence in Maths – a culture that produces strong, secure learning and real progress. No matter what their starting points, we strive to facilitate learners to achieve excellence. We believe everyone can do Maths. As we prove this to pupils, we’re hoping to shape assured, happy and resilient mathematicians who relish the challenge of Maths and become independent, reflective thinkers, whose skills not only liberate them in Maths but also support them across the curriculum. We are committed to working together to be and give the absolute best, and to make a difference to every pupil.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Mathematics at Grade 7 or higher, or GCSE Further Mathematics at Grade 8 or higher. While GCSE Further Mathematics is not mandatory, it is considered an advantage.

Course Details

At Key Stage 5 we offer both A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics and students follow the Edexcel Syllabus.

Specification – https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

Course Description

Students studying A Level Mathematics cover Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics topics of Statistics and Mechanics.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics consists of three externally-examined papers.

Students will complete all assessment in May/June in Year 13.

Why Study This Course?

Mathematics is widely regarded by universities as one of the most valuable A-level subjects. It is essential for entry into certain degree programs, such as Physics, Accountancy, Mathematics, and Statistics. If you are thinking about pursuing a career that involves mathematics, studying Further Mathematics at A-level can provide a significant advantage.

Taking Further Mathematics not only strengthens your university application but also helps you build valuable skills in problem-solving and decision-making, which are applicable in a wide range of career paths. It shows a commitment to developing a deeper understanding of mathematics and prepares you for degrees that rely heavily on mathematical knowledge.

Through this course, you will gain the ability to:

• Develop clear and logical mathematical arguments.

• Evaluate the strength and validity of mathematical reasoning and justify your conclusions.

• Approach both mathematical and real-world problems using structured mathematical methods.

• Create and interpret mathematical models for real-life situations, assess their effectiveness, understand their limitations, and suggest ways to improve them.

Programme of Study

Assessment

• Paper 1 and Paper 2 may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.
• Paper 3 will contain questions on topics from the Statistics content in Section A and Mechanics content in Section B.
• Students must answer all questions.
• Calculators can be used in the assessment.

Home Learning

The Mathematics Department subscribes to the Integral website and tasks will be set on this platform in addition to other tasks set by class teachers.

Where can Mathematics take you

Maths is one of the most respected subjects to achieve a qualification in, and the breadth of applications is immense. Mathematics underpins most of science, technology and engineering and is also important in areas as diverse as business, law, nutrition, sports science and psychology. There are many opportunities to use Maths to make a difference in society, for example through the analysis involved in medical research, developing new technology, modelling epidemics or in the study of patterns of criminal activity to identify trends. Studying Mathematics develops problem solving and logic skills, but also provides opportunities to develop team-working skills, resilience, effective communication and the ability to use your own initiative.

Further Study

Degrees in

• Mathematics
• Accounting
• Economics
• Biology
• Engineering
• Business and Management
• Politics
• Statistics

Careers

• Finance– Actuarial Work, Accountancy, Financial Modelling, Investment Banking
• Computing– Games Design, Internet Security,  Telecommunications
• Mathematical Biology- Population Modelling, Epidemics and Vaccination
• Engineering– Aircraft Modelling, Fluid Flows, Acoustic Engineering, Quantity Surveyor, Planner
• Teaching and Lecturing
• Statistics– Medical Statistics, Market Research, Government Statistics
• Business– Logistics, Traffic Planning, Project Management, Business Consultancy

How can parents support their child’s learning

Ensure that your child uses the internet learning tutorials effectively, possibly sitting with them and learning the Mathematics skills together.

Always try to take opportunities to use Mathematics and problem solving in real life contexts with your child: best buys at the supermarket; exchange rates for currency; conversion of measurements; utility bills; interest repayments on loans, mortgages or interest on investments; percentage increase/decrease; card/dice/board games; code-breaking etc.

Useful Links

• Integral Maths –https://integralmaths.org/

For more information contact Head of Mathematics, Townsend Church of England School