Mathematics

Mathematics

Welcome

The Mathematics Department occupies a modern, purpose-built Mathematics suite in the new Learning Resources Centre. It runs very popular and successful courses throughout the school. Most students in years 12 and 13 study one of the mathematics courses on offer. There is a notable consistency of very high performance of pupils in mathematics at all levels.

Teachers of mathematics are committed to developing the appreciation, excellent understanding and skills involved in many different topics by their teaching methods and own enthusiasm for the subject.

In years 7 and 8 the building blocks are put in place to ensure continuity and progression to key stage 4 and boys are challenged to use effectively previously learnt skills.

In year 11 all boys are entered for higher level GCSE mathematics (edexcel examination board)) and either GCSE statistics (edexcel specification) or an additional mathematics qualification. The average number of boys achieving A*/A over the last three years for GCSE mathematics is 75%.

In year 13 the students may have followed an A level course in mathematics with or without a further mathematics AS level (all modules followed from the edexcel examination board). They may have completed A level mathematics and further mathematics A levels together. The averages numbers of boys achieving A*- B for mathematics A level and further mathematics A level over the past three years are 72% and 80% respectively.

Many students progress to using their mathematical knowledge by studying degrees in mathematics, engineering, a multitude of different sciences, medicine, dentistry, economics, business and more. Students are successful in securing places to study mathematics at universities that include Oxbridge.

The mathematics department are a hard-working and high achieving team with each team member offering their own contributions and strengths.

Vision

Our department aims to find a pathway of mathematics courses for each pupil that fits the requirements of every boy from year 7 to year 13. A positive attitude to mathematics is encouraged. It may be seen as an interesting but challenging subject whilst it also has creative aspects and aesthetic appeal. We constantly seek to give our pupils confidence that enables them to express ideas fluently, to talk about the subject with assurance and to use the language of mathematics.

Students are urged to realise the uses of mathematics in the world beyond the classroom. Pupils should learn that mathematics will frequently help them to solve problems they meet in everyday life or understand better many of the things they see, and provide opportunities for them to satisfy their curiosity and to use their creative abilities.

We support entering national mathematics competitions to enable the boys to apply their skills beyond the curriculum. Superb performances in competitions such as the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenges have been seen over a number of years now. Some boys have also received invitations to participate in the Mathematics Olympiads.

The mathematical skills of our students are firstly formally judged by sitting examinations at school, but we very much value the skills that they take with them to use in their future careers and throughout their lives.

 Sheffield Hallam University Annual Pop Mathematics Quiz winners 2012:

Lawrence Sheriff School Rugby (14 -16 yrs)