Mathematics

Staff

Head of Department

Mrs G Brown

Subject Teachers

Mrs J Copeland (P/T)
Miss L Callender
Mrs A Daniells (P/T)
Mrs C Evans (P/T)
Mrs R Turney
Mrs K Taylor

Miss F Lamrock
Mr C Armstrong
Mrs E Kerr
Mrs H Thompson P/T
Miss E Johnston

The mathematics department is one of the largest in the school, with more than 60 pupils taking the subject at ‘A’ level.

Why Mathematics? 

We help pupils to see the relevance of mathematics and financial capability to real life; how it helps us to calculate, estimate and problem-solve. It informs many of the choices and decisions we make about real-life issues and challenges and the actions that we subsequently take:

  • mathematics is a universal language which can be used to describe, explain and interpret the world in which we live

  • mathematics provides a means of communication which is powerful, concise and unambiguous

  • mathematical competence is important and useful in many areas of life and study

  • mathematics has an inherent fascination and appeal of its own irrespective of its applications

Aims

  • to fulfil the requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum

  • to enable each pupil to obtain the highest level in external examinations in order to prepare them for further study or the workplace

  • to develop each pupil’s confidence and ability to solve problems

  • to foster an enjoyment of mathematics

  • to develop an awareness of personal finance

Key Stage 3

All pupils follow the Northern Ireland curriculum, including:

  • Number

  • Algebra

  • Shape, space and measures

  • Handling data

  • Financial capability

  • Using mathematics

In Years 8,9 and 10 the pupils are taught in their registration groups. Pupils in Years 8 and 9 have the opportunity to take part in the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge.

Key Stage 4

Our pupils follow the CCEA GCSE Mathematics specification. The classes are banded. 

GCSE Further Mathematics is also offered. Further Mathematics involves studying mathematics at a level beyond GCSE Higher Tier. It can act as a stepping stone that gives students a sound basis for studying GCE Mathematics, introducing some of the mechanics and statistics topics that appear at AS/A2 level. Further Mathematics can also help students progress to other studies that require mathematical knowledge and skills, for example higher level science, geography, technology or business.

Pupils have six periods per week of Mathematics or seven periods if they are also taking Further Mathematics.

A Level

Pupils follow the CCEA GCE Mathematics specification.

‘Fast Maths’ is offered to those pupils who wish to take the full A level course in one year and then continue with Further Mathematics inn Year 14. If they choose to do this, they may take all four modules at the end of Year 13.

Careers

Preventing avalanches, shaving precious milliseconds off lap-times in Formula 1, creating beauty in art, music, fashion and furniture design, testing the powerful engines for new aircraft, planning the Olympics, bringing maths to life on the stage, writing fiction and reporting facts... What do all these jobs have in common? They all use maths!

The study of mathematics can develop a host of skills that are essential to students continuing in their studies as well as those currently in or entering the workplace. These include problem-solving, logic and reasoning, and attention to detail. Mathematics can also lead to careers in finance, business, IT and teaching, among others.

Useful Links

Websites with videos and courses to help with both GCSE and A Level: highly recommended.

These teachers are also  on Twitter: @hegartymaths and  @Corbettmaths which includes ‘5-a-day’ problems to encourage lots of practice.

Corbett Maths

Exam Solutions

A very helpful site which has over 3400 video tutorials

NRICH

This is an interesting site with articles, puzzles and problems for all ages. The NRICH project is part of the Millennium Mathematics Project (MMP), a maths education and outreach initiative for ages 3 to 19. It is a collaboration between the Faculties of Mathematics and Education at the University of Cambridge focussing on increasing mathematical understanding, confidence and enjoyment, enriching everyone's experience of mathematics, and promoting creative and imaginative approaches to maths. 

Mr Barton Maths

This website provides links to notes and examples, ways to check your work, video solutions, tutorials, revision websites, exam advice, podcasts, everything you could possibly need to help you get as good as possible at your maths.

Maths Careers

This website provides a single starting point for those wishing to know where studying mathematics can lead. The website is run by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications and has a particular focus on young people between the age of 11 and 19.

Just Maths

A good website, unfortunately it is a subscription service.