The Mathematics Department strive to develop, maintain and stimulate students' curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Mathematics whilst achieving to their full potential.
Our key aims in the Mathematics department at Bishop Ramsey are:
All students are encouraged to reach their potential through a variety of approaches ranging from mental strategies, investigation and practical work to computer and calculator methods, as well as the more traditional classroom teaching.
We aim to help our students develop confidence in a wider range of mathematical skills and to use a logical approach in their problem solving.
All students are placed into sets according to their attainment and continuous assessment allows for transfer between sets if necessary.
At KS3 Mathematics is delivered in three years across Years 7, 8 and 9. Setting takes place early in Year 7 to reflect the differing needs of students. The students continue to be taught in sets throughout the school. They take regular topic tests that, together with class work, homework and teacher assessment are used to monitor their progress. Assessment is ongoing and setting is reviewed regularly. All Key Stage 3 students receive two pieces of Mathematics homework a week. During the KS3 scheme of learning students work on units that cover the broad areas of Number, Shape and Space, Algebra and Data Handling.
Edexcel GCSE Mathematics 1MA1
After 5 years of learning Mathematics, students sit their GCSE at the end of Year 11 through 3 papers, 1 non-calculator paper and 2 calculator papers. There are two tiers of entry, Higher Tier, which covers grades 9 to 4, and Foundation Tier, which covers grades 5 to 1. Students follow the Edexcel Linear scheme at either the Higher or Foundation level.
Work is assessed on a regular basis through mini tests and more detailed tests that cover more than one unit of work. Additionally, there are summary examinations at the end of each year and students will be monitored to ensure they are in the most appropriate set for their ability.
Sixth Form Mathematics is one of the most popular subject choices at A Level at Bishop Ramsey, producing many top grades and entry into top universities every year. The options for the Sixth Form include Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The department also offer Mathematical studies called Core Mathematics for those students who want to study Mathematics beyond GCSE. There is also a GCSE retake class that is available for those students who have failed to achieve a grade 4 in their Year 11 GCSE Mathematics.
Year 12
Edexcel GCE Mathematics 8MA0
Year 12 students follow the linear courses from Edexcel with A level students having to study Mechanics, Statistics and Pure Mathematics with no optional units. The Further Mathematicians have some flexibility from optional units that cover the areas of Further Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Maths but also must take compulsory Pure Mathematics units.
At this level it is important to prepare students for university teaching and so we encourage them to take more responsibility for their learning whilst tracking their progress with regular homework and assessments. In doing this we make an 'Integral' subscription available to students so that we can support their independent learning.
Year 13
Edexcel GCE Mathematics 9MA0
The current Year 13 are following the linear course for both the A Level Mathematics (9MA0) and Further Mathematics courses which allows some flexibility in the options covered for Further Mathematics. For A level Mathematics students will take two Pure Mathematics examinations covering the content from Year 12 and 13 and additionally they will also take a paper that covers Mechanics and Statistics. The Further Maths students also take four papers, two covering compulsory Pure Mathematics and two covering optional units. The optional units can be made up of units covering Decision Mathematics, Further Mechanics, Further Pure Mathematics or Further Statistics.
Edexcel GCE AS and A Level Mathematics 8MA0 and 9MA0
Edexcel GCE Further Mathematics 9FM0
Edexcel GCE Further Mathematics 9FM0
AQA Core Mathematical Studies Level 3 1350
Core Mathematics builds on knowledge, understanding and skills established in GCSE . It then moves forward to applying this to real world situations. The course takes Maths into Problem Solving situations – e.g. as a City Planner, how big do we need to make a hole to store all the rubbish from a city over the next 20 years? The course looks at tax and personal finance, use of statistics and estimation. It fits very well with other A levels e.g. Geography, Psychology, Business, Economics and it maintains a level of Maths which is attractive to employers and Universities for students who do not wish to do A Level.
AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies 1350
There is also the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities. There is a thriving Mathematics club (Mathemagicians) that runs once a week. The more able students across the school are entered for the United Kingdom Maths Challenge and Sixth Form Students are able to attend and participate in events outside school. There are also opportunities for team events that take place across the school year in which students will represent the school against other Hillingdon schools.
In addition to the ‘Mathemagicians’, we also run a ‘Maths Clinic’ weekly. Maths clinic has a particular focus around exams, the aim of this is to help our students overcome Maths anxiety and there are tasks that help build resilience. A focus on revision strategies and techniques is also part of the Maths Clinic.