- maths header
Mathematics
'The highest form of pure thought is in mathematics' - Plato
Maths is the key to understanding the world. It is important in day to day life (wage slips, tax, best value deals in a shop) and beyond that in further studies and most careers.
At Tewkesbury School we place great emphasis on learning and practicing skills in number, algebra, statistics and shape & measure, but more importantly in “Functional Skills”: this develops students’ abilities to work in groups or alone to solve problems.
Problem solving is a skill which is used in many subject areas, and develops students’ resilience (what to do when you are stuck) and the realisation that effort WILL improve intelligence. The more you exercise your brain, the better you get!
In class a student will work alone or in a group to solve problems, use software in our computer suite, and visualise shapes and algebra using graphical calculators. We use a variety of resources to cater for different learning styles. We assess progress informally using mini-whiteboards, quizzes and quick tests. At the end of each half term we give a test, and encourage students to improve independently using online software.
We offer enrichment opportunities through visits, Maths challenges and our Formula One car racing club.
All staff teach to GCSE level, and many teach A-Level as well (both Mathematics and Further Mathematics): we have a continuing programme of development of teaching at A-level. We support STEP and Oxford entrance for the most able. Our teachers have a wide range of educational and industrial/business experience to draw on.
Year 7 to 11 schemes of work are based on the GCSE subject content and assessment objectives. This is broken down into a plan for Years 7 to 11, creating units of work that are named similarly across each year group, building familiarity with key big themes in mathematics throughout the secondary school journey.
The curriculum big themes are; number, algebra, statistics, geometry, ratio and proportion and each unit of work is based around key learning points from the National Curriculum.
In KS3, each stage has a set of essential knowledge learning objectives; these are essentially the pre requisite skills and knowledge for accessing the GCSE curriculum in KS4.
As students move through into KS4, the objectives are entirely based on GCSE subject content. We want our students to become financially capable young people, equipped with the required skills and knowledge to improve their life chances, become financially aware citizens and discerning consumers.
At KS5, students can choose A-level Mathematics, which offers students with a good understanding of Maths the chance to study it at a higher level. It provides a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace. The material covered supports the mathematical techniques used in other subjects; Engineering, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Students of A Level develop vital logical, analytical and problem solving skills.
Sixth form students are also offered the opportunity to continue their mathematics studies via the 1-year level 3 mathematical studies qualification. It helps to develop students’ mathematical skills and thinking and supports courses such as A-level Psychology, Computing, Sciences and Geography as well as technical and vocational qualifications.
Please see the Maths curriculum overviews for each Key Stage below.
Staff:
Mr C Whitehead: Director of Mathematics Lead Teacher - Enrichment & Ethos
Mrs P Towers: Second in Mathematics
Mrs L Burton: Mathematics
Mr P Lawton: Mathematics
Mr M Naylor: Mathematics
Mrs R Newton: Mathematics
Mr J Sansom: Mathematics
Miss E Stout: Mathematics
Mr A Thompson: Mathematics
Mrs V Whiting: Mathematics and Assistant Head
