Mathematics

Mathematics

Mr A Heap - HoD

Mrs E C Peacock

Mr K R Connor

Miss C Ferris

Mrs J R Marshall

Mr G D Norbury

Mathematics is one of the six core subjects taught throughout the school. At present in Years 7 and 8 each of the four classes are taught in mixed ability groups consisting of four lessons of 40 minutes duration.

At the end of Year 8 the boys are then setted according to ability into one of five classes. The numbers in each set vary; higher numbers in able sets, lower numbers in low ability groups. Sets are taught at the same time, so flexibility between groups is possible, either during term time or at the end of the year.

All sets take the Higher Level IGCSE paper. The top set is currently accelerated and take the exam in November of Year 11. They then start their ‘A’ level course, completing the module C1 in Pure Mathematics, at the end of Year 11. This gives some 28 boys both a head start and a clear insight into the demands and rigour of Mathematics at an Advanced Level. All other sets complete the course at the end of Year 11 in line with their other subjects.

The transition to ‘A’ level is a rather varied one. In total, between 42 and 48 boys opt for the subject and are sorted by ability into four sets. All sets take the ‘AS’, AQA Specification B. This is completed by January of Year 12 by the accelerated groups (a) and (b), while the (c) and (d) sets complete by June of Year 12. The top set is then accelerated further and completes the full ‘A’ level by June of Year 12, with the intention of studying Further Mathematics to ‘AS’ or ‘A’ level in Year 13. All other sets complete the full ‘A’ level course by the end of Year 13.

The modules taken for ‘AS’ Maths are currently C1, C2 and S1 and, in order to complete the full ‘A’ level, modules C3 and C4 are compulsory; optional modules are M1 or S2. Flexibility of modules is always possible, which gives the option for the boys to concentrate on their strengths in order to maximise potential and their final ‘A’ level grade.

For boys studying Further Mathematics another six modules are taken. FMP1 and FMP2 are compulsory, with any four from D1, D2, M2, M3, M4, S2, S3 and S4.

Taking both Mathematics and Further Mathematics gives the boys an excellent foundation in order to study Mathematics, Physics and all Engineering courses at University while Mathematics ‘A’ level is highly desirable or even an essential subject to study other University courses in Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Geology, Psychology just to name a few. In fact, for any course which contains a high degree of logical content or has a science based content, ‘A’ level Mathematics would be most beneficial.

Although a significant number of boys study Mathematics to an Advanced Level it is not the case for everyone, but it is essential for all boys to appreciate the significance and relevance of the subject in order to solve practical problems, both within their field of understanding and also in the real world. Even if this concept is beyond a nominal few, one would hope that the Maths Department would instil in pupils an enjoyment and enthusiasm for the subject and perhaps be the source of a moment of fond reflection, as time goes by.

To enable boys to put their mathematical skills to good use they are entered into a number of Mathematical competitions during the year. The Challenges set by the Liverpool Mathematics Society are by far the most popular and a number of Year 7 boys in particular have gained prizes or certificates of commendation. The Challenges are presented in an evening of mathematical fun at Liverpool University. Boys are also entered for the Challenge set by the UK Mathematics Trust, a prestige competition which enables boys bring their wits and skills to bear on a set of logical puzzles.