Maths
Our Team
Mrs K. Gordon
Head of Department
Mrs W. Bennett
Teacher
Miss E. Fegan
Teacher
Mrs K. Rooney
Teacher
Miss U. Toner
Teacher
Our Department
As one of the core subjects in school, the mathematics department aims to…
- To encourage pupils to think mathematically
- To make mathematics enjoyable
- To allow the pupils’ creativity to be developed
- To make pupils aware of the mathematics in everyday life
- To help the pupils build self confidence in mathematics
- To encourage the pupils to discuss mathematics
- To develop pupils’ practical and investigational skills
- To encourage the pupils to pose, and solve problems
- To encourage the pupils to present their work in a neat and clear manner
- To build on work already achieved in Primary Schools
- To ensure that pupils acquire a foundation in mathematics suitable for further study in the subjects and other subjects
- To help pupils realise the importance of mathematics in life
- To help pupils become financially capable citizens
- To inform pupils of the STEM initiatives and implications of subject choices for careers
Key Stage 3
During this key stage, pupils are taught in a mixed ability setting. This course is designed to build upon their previous learning in Primary school, but also encourages rich mathematical discussion through various practical activities and stimuli. Extension Materials for Years 8 & 9 are in the form of ‘Ultimate Challenges’ linked to the topics during the year. Fast finishers are encouraged to check over their work and presentation before undertaking an extension task. These tasks are designed to stretch and challenge our pupils with open ended, reasoning tasks giving a greater depth to their mathematical understanding.
GCSE
At present Year 10 are continuing the early entry to the CCEA GCSE course. During Years 10, 11 and 12 pupils should gain experience in answering different styles of questions in preparation for their GCSE exams. The CCEA GCSE Mathematics specification encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts. It enables students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions and make deductions and inferences. Students learn how to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of appropriate forms.
The specification has two tiers: Foundation and Higher. Each tier offers students a choice of units suited to a range of abilities, allowing them to demonstrate achievement. The assessment model enables students to monitor their progress and offers opportunities to improve their results. Students also have the opportunity to achieve a recognition of achievement in Functional Mathematics. Entry Level qualifications can help learners to expand their knowledge, increase their confidence and demonstrate achievement.
Entry Level
Vocational students in Year 12 will have a dual entry by completing both the CCEA GCSE course (M2/M5) and completing the CCEA Entry Level Mathematics course. The CCEA Entry Level Mathematics specification gives learners opportunities to develop and apply mathematical skills in everyday situations. It also helps learners develop an awareness of mathematical concepts. This specification is made up of units, and learners can gain a qualification at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3. For each unit, learners produce a portfolio of work to show how they’ve met the assessment criteria; there are no exams.
There are six units:
- Unit 1: Working with Whole Numbers
- Unit 2: Working with Time and Measures
- Unit 3: Using Money
- Unit 4: Working with Shape
- Unit 5: Working with Position and Space
- Unit 6: Data Handling
A-Level
At present the A Level course is being delivered through the ALC (St. Pauls). The CCEA GCE Mathematics specification encourages students to extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques. They use their mathematical knowledge to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning. Students draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions. Students investigate algebra and functions, geometry, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and vectors. They also examine quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability and statistical distributions.
Studying mathematics develops students’ analytical, research and problem-solving skills. It provides a firm foundation for scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical careers. It gives students the knowledge and logic they need to solve scientific, mechanical and coding problems.
This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.
The specification has four units:
- Unit AS 1: Pure Mathematics
- Unit AS 2: Applied Mathematics
- Unit A2 1: Pure Mathematics
- Unit A2 2: Applied Mathematics.
Examination Board Information
Maths
GCSE Specification
Maths
A-Level Specification
Extra-Curricular Activities
Events
Pi@lunch is on every Wednesday lunchtime, with Years 8&9 students meeting to participate in a variety of maths related activities.
Each year through the Transition Project, Primary 7 pupils from our main feeder primary schools are invited to take part with our Year 8 students in Izak9 team tasks.
On 14th March our Key Stage 3 classes recognise Pi day by completing Pi related activities and enjoy circular treats.
Annually Key Stage 3 pupils take part in Maths Week Ireland.
Competitions
Year 8 & 9 pupils raise money for Children in Need by completing Pudsey themed maths challenges.
Pupils take part in the UK Junior and Intermediate Maths Challenges on an annual basis.
Career Pathways
There are many reasons why people choose to study A Level Mathematics. It might be a requirement for what you want to study at university (physics, psychology, economics, computing, and business studies prefer students to have A Level maths if possible). Since maths is one of the most traditional subjects a good grade in maths can boost an application for pretty much every course.
Studies have also shown that people with Maths A Level also tend to earn more on average than people without it. Though this itself may or may not be a good enough reason to study maths, the skills it allows you to develop include problem solving, logic and analysing situations. Add in the improvements to your basic numeracy skills and that bit of creativity needed to solve maths problems and you’ve got yourself a set of skills which would make you more desirable for almost any job.