Mathematics
Department Overview
The Mathematics Department at Oak Wood School is made up of nine Mathematics teachers who all aim to give pupils the chance to realise their potential in the subject. The teachers encourage pupils to enjoy and attempt Maths with fear and advise them to attend various extra revision sessions and Maths clubs in the run up to all examinations to ensure that they can revise effectively.
Key Stage 3
All pupils are working towards the new Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics specification. The subject content is roughly split into six sub topics: number; algebra; ratio; proportion and rates of change; geometry and measure; probability and statistics, which are all covered throughout each year in school. The Maths curriculum seeks to embed a depth of knowledge and understanding through Maths Mastery programme in Years 7 and 8. Progress in Mathematics is closely monitored by the Head of Mathematics who provides strategies to encourage and promote further development within the subject. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 have seven one-hour Mathematics lessons in two weeks. This enables pupils to make the best possible start to Mathematics at School.
Key Stage 4
With the changing of the GCSE Mathematics specification, Years 10 and 11 have started the new Edexcel (9-1) Mathematics. Year 9 follow the Maths Mastery programme linked to the GCSE specification. Pupils have eight one hour lessons in two weeks. Pupils are set according to their prior attainment in end of year exams as well as work completed throughout the previous school years. The sets are flexible to enable smooth transition of pupils according to their attainment within the Mathematics sets to ensure that pupils have access to the most beneficial teaching for them. Pupils study either for the Foundation or Higher tier examination once they reach Key Stage 4, depending on their set. This enables pupils to have access to the most appropriate content for them and the best route for examination success.
Both specifications are designed to maximise each individual's potential and to facilitate opportunities to broaden pupils’ mathematical understanding. There is an emphasis on problem solving within the specification and the Mathematics department have made this the common theme within the teaching. Problem solving can be applied to all topics in Mathematics as well as many tasks in the wider world so the department strive to ensure that pupils excel in this aspect of the course.
Key Stage 5
A-Level in Maths will help develop your understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment to develop abilities to reason logically. This course will allow you to see how different areas of mathematics are connected, recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically, and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems. You will enhance your problem solving skills, learn mathematical techniques and use them in solving these ‘real world’ problems.
Core Maths is a new Level 3 course for students who achieve a Grade 5 or above pass at GCSE Maths. The qualification is designed to prepare students for the mathematical demands of work, study and life. The skills developed in the study of Mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help you keep up these essential skills. However, Core Maths should not be seen as a replacement for A Level Maths but rather to compliment other A Level choices where Maths has not been chosen.