Maths – Pate's Grammar School

MATHEMATICS

At Pate’s we aim to build on the knowledge gained from the plethora of feeder schools that we take from. We develop mathematical fluency and reasoning in increasingly complex problems within the same domains that students have already studied, namely number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and statistics. At Key Stage 3, we focus on three strands: Problem Solving, Accuracy and Written Communication. Using these strands we encourage independent thinking, especially with our in-house ‘pink problem solving’ homework tasks which are designed to engage students and develop mathematical mastery of the topics taught. We aim to lay a foundation of knowledge that can be drawn upon when students begin their journey into Key Stage 4 (GCSE). Every student in Years 7 & 8 is entered into the UKMT Maths Challenge which allows them to excel in Mathematics, not necessarily within the normal schemes of work.

Due to the linear nature of Mathematics, every topic taught builds upon each other, therefore we continue to look at elements of the course from Year 7 through to Year 11. Following the Edexcel GCSE syllabus, we initially recap information from Key Stage 3, then teach the students how to apply their knowledge and eventually generalise by using algebra. Our students are well prepared if they wish to continue to study Mathematics at A Level. However, if Key Stage 4 (GCSE) is the end of their mathematical journey we pride ourselves on creating mathematicians who are able to have an awareness of Mathematics in the wider world and are equipped with transferable skills, such as problem solving, lateral and logical thinking and high levels of numeracy.

Mathematics within the Sixth Form is a hugely popular course. Our curriculum follows the Edexcel syllabus, comprising three main elements, namely Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. Initially, we develop students’ algebraic knowledge as this permeates throughout the A Level course. We develop the applied elements that are used within other subjects, such as kinematics and Newton’s Laws that aid the content in Physics. In statistics (alongside other material) we study ‘collecting and interpreting data’ which is widely used in Biology, Psychology and Geography.

Our further mathematicians also follow the Edexcel specification and study their A Level Maths and Further Maths in parallel. They benefit from four specialist teachers delivering the Further Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and Pure content. Each student has the opportunity to work with mathematicians from GCHQ and also attend a MAT and STEP course to prepare them fully for the challenge of Mathematics at university.