Mathematical thinking is important for all members of a modern society as a habit of mind for its use in the workplace, business and finance; and for personal decision-making.  Mathematics is fundamental to national prosperity in providing tools for understanding science, engineering, technology and economics. It is essential in public decision-making and for participation in the knowledge economy.

Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder for all pupils when they solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections. Pupils who are functional in mathematics and financially capable are able to think independently in applied and abstract ways, and can reason, solve problems and assess risk.

Mathematics is a creative discipline. The language of mathematics is international. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics has developed over time as a means of solving problems and also for its own sake.

The National Curriculum for England

DFES/ QCA

Enrichment

A wide range of enrichment activities is available.

Mathematics

Maths offers opportunities for students to:

• be independent thinkers
• develop problem solving skills
• explore real-life applications of mathematics

Maths at Key Stage 3.

Maths at Netherhall consolidates and builds on maths learned at primary school and each subsequent year.  The curriculum is split into approximately 8 units at the end of which students are assessed.  Targets are set for improvement and all results are closely monitored to ensure that students are progressing.  Parents are informed if progress is different from expected.  Students are set a wide range of homework activities which differ from week to week, e.g. investigations, maths website questions or questions in class.  Students complete ICT projects during the year and will complete lessons in the ICT when appropriate.

GCSE Maths

GCSE maths is a two-year course that builds on the foundations learned in KS3 and introduces a few new mathematical ideas.  The course explores various topics in Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling.

Students are regularly assessed via weekly homework tasks and half-term tests.  Results are closely monitored to ensure that students are progressing and meeting their targets.  The GCSE grade is determined entirely by the examination sat at the end of year 11.  All students write a calculator and non-calculator paper.  There is no coursework element to the maths GCSE.

Maths at A Level

A-Level maths is a two-year course that aims to improve student knowledge and understanding of maths and its uses in the real world.  The course consists of a combination of pure and applied mathematics.  Through the course students develop the skills necessary to reason logically, comprehend mathematical arguments and recognise how different situations can be represented mathematically.

The course consists of 6 modules that are completed over the two years.  Four core modules look at various topics of pure maths including trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.  The other modules that are offered are Mechanics 1 and Statistics 1.

Students attend 9 maths lessons a fortnight, usually shared between two teachers.  Homework is set most lessons but there is no coursework to complete. The 6 modular exams are taken over the two years, with opportunities to re-sit if necessary.

Further Maths is available at the Netherhall School.  The course is run through the Further Maths Centre.  Classes are held once a week after school where three additional, exciting modules are explored each year.  The Further Maths centre will explain the course in more detail at an introductory session in September.

The problem solving skills that are developed in mathematics are useful for any future endeavours.  Beyond the skills that will be developed, the content covered leads to the maths of coding on the Internet, medical screening, and helps us understand population growth or consumer behaviour.

Additional Exam Information

For more in-depth information about our Mathematics course click here.