Mathematics
Key Stage 3
On entry in Year 7 the students are given an assessment to determine the level at which they are working. Based primarily on this information they are placed in an initial set, but are closely monitored to allow changes to be made if necessary. There are formal assessments in both November and June, so to facilitate ease of movement all classes follow the same curriculum. Every pupil has a personal profile which is started when a girl enters the school, this allows us to identify the level each student is working at, and to ensure that she fulfils her potential in this subject.
In Year 8 all students take part in two maths activity days off site. The purpose of this is to encourage the pupils to look for maths outside the classroom and to realise that Maths is essential in many different areas and can be found in the most unexpected places.
At the end of Key Stage 3 in year 9 each student will sit a formal exam at a level suitable to their ability. This exam will be sat at the beginning of the Summer term and the students will then commence their GCSE course.
Key Stage 4
During years 10 and 11 the students follow the GCSE Modular specification from the AQA board at either the Higher or the Foundation level. Assessment is by examination only and consists of three Units taken over the two years. Unit 1 (Statistics and Number ) is a calculator paper and is taken in the November of year 10, Unit 2 (Number and Algebra) is a non-calculator paper and is sat in the June of year 10. The more difficult Unit 3 (Geometry and Algebra) is a calculator paper and is taken in the June of year 11. The final grade is given by the total marks from all three units. All students will begin on the Higher level, but a few students may opt to take either Unit two or Unit 3 at Foundation level.
Should a student show an aptitude for Mathematics they may be invited to study for the Free Standing Maths Qualification of Additional Maths, which bridges the gap between GCSE and AS level maths.
AS and A level
Mathematics Further Mathematics and Statistics
Students follow the AQA Modular course at both AS and A2 level. The department is able to offer all the application modules of
Statistics Mechanics Decision Maths at both AS and A2 levels
to complement the compulsory Pure Mathematics modules. Students are advised which application module to choose, depending on their other options.
Students who have a love of the subject and who think they would like to take it further are strongly recommended to take Further Maths at least to AS.
Statistics at either AS or A2 level provides an excellent support to students who are studying economics, geography, sport studies or any social science as all these courses contain an element of statistical analysis.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
We at the Marist believe that mathematics exists beyond the classroom walls and endeavour to provide as much opportunity to take the subject outside school as possible.
In Year 8 the girls take part in a two/three day practical maths course, held mainly off site which allows them to put some of the theory they have learned into practice.
In addition to this all the girls have the opportunity to take part in competitions and classes organised by outside bodies.
The school takes part in the annual Maths Challenges provided by the UKMT
We invite pupils from years 7 and 8 to enter the Junior Challenge, pupils from years 10 and 11 to enter the Intermediate Challenge and those in the sixth form studying mathematics to take part in the Senior Challenge. This competition is aimed at the top 35% of pupils in the country and we are very proud of the results achieved by the girls at the Marist, where over 47% of those entered receive certificates compared with the national average of 40%.
A team consisting of two pupils from Year 8 and two from Year 9 were also invited to take part in the Team Challenge from the United Kingdom Maths Trust.
Pupils from Year 9 have also been selected to attend a series of Maths Master classes, given by various university lecturers in the area.
A team consisting of two students from year 12 and two from year 13 take part in the Senior Maths challenge
A team, again consisting of two students from year 12 and 13 studying both mathematics and economics take part in a joint Maths and Business competition.
Pupils studying mathematics or statistics in the sixth form will have the opportunity to attend lectures or workshops to help them with their studies.
Strategy / games clubs are held to promote logical thinking
Maths Clinic is held weekly to support those pupils who are experiencing difficulty with a particular topic.