Mathematics

Head of Department: Mr Jeff Place (Assistant Head Teacher)  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our aims:

• We aim to develop the ability of students to read, write and communicate mathematics, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• We aim to provide courses which are challenging and to develop students’ understanding of mathematical concepts.
• We aim to create a positive attitude to mathematics and develop confidence in written, oral and practical skills.
• We aim to ensure that students apply their mathematical skills to problems in a variety of situations, are able to present solutions to their problems and interpret their results.
• We aim to ensure that students see the relevance of mathematics and the part it plays in the world around them.
• We aim to show students the suitability and adaptability of their mathematical knowledge to other subjects, to prepare students for their exams and the world of work.

KS3 Maths

When Year 7 students start Maths at Therfield they are taught in their tutor group as mixed ability classes for the first term.  After half term they are placed in sets in two parallel populations.  The appropriate set is decided upon by taking into account:

• the pupil's performance in an early common test,
• the work carried out in the first term,
• evidence from their class teachers,
• evidence from their Primary School,
• any additional data we have.

All students in years 7, 8 and 9 follow the National Curriculum designed to focus on skills rather than just content; heavily mirroring the shift at Key Stage 4 to a focus on the application and use of maths.  Several times throughout the year students work on opened ended investigations, carry out various surveys and develop their ICT skills.  Homework will be primarily completed through Independent Learning Tasks.  These are longer, less-prescriptive homeworks designed to be completed over a number of weeks.  Interim deadlines will be given and peer and self assessment used to give feedback. 

A strong emphasis is placed on numeracy and students practice their written and mental arithmetic skills regularly.

A comprehensive store of support files and additional work is provided through the faculty’s page on the school’s VLE.

KS4 Maths

In Key Stage 4, students are working towards a GCSE in Mathematics. Selected students will also be given the opportunity to study for GCSE Statistics at the same time.

Students are set in teaching groups in both years 10 and 11 by ability and performance and each student will be taught to their ability. They will be entered at either Foundation (grades C to G) or Higher (grades A to D) level.

All students in Year 10 study a modular course and will have completed 60% of their GCSE by the end of that year. At the end of Year 10, when results from June exams are received, courses are reviewed and some students may be switched over to a linear (single exam) course in order to provide the best opportunity to achieve a better grade.

Year 11 students continuing to study the modular course will be offered the opportunity to re-sit earlier units during the Autumn and Spring terms and will sit the final unit (40% of the GCSE) in June of year 11. Those Year 11 students studying the linear course will take exams in November and/or June.

There is a comprehensive program of both ongoing and exam support in place in school for students. Additional support and revision resources are available from the Key Stage 4 room on the school’s VLE.