WELCOME TO THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Don’t forget to log onto FRONTER for all your Mathematical needs Log on to MYMATHS for homework and online lessons
Introduction.
Mathematics is very popular at Slough and Eton. Mathematical thinking is important for all members of modern society as a habit of mind for its use in the work place, business and finance; and for personal decision making……… Mathematics equips students with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world.
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.
It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships.
AQA Further Maths Level 2
This qualification fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order Mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth without infringing upon AS Level Mathematics, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies at Level 3. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the GCSE Mathematics, rather than as a replacement. The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth. This new qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is an untiered Level 2 linear qualification for learners who either already have, or are expected to achieve, grades A and A* in GCSE Mathematics are likely to progress to A-Level study in Mathematics and possibly further Mathematics.
The Scheme of Assessment is linear with two question papers to be taken in the same examination series as detailed below.
Eton College Tuition
40 of our highly enthusiastic and motivated AS/A2 Mathematics students were delighted to be invited to Eton College on Monday afternoon as part of a 10 week mentoring programme, starting January 2012. During the course of the session, our students were put through their paces and received one to one tuition from Eton College students in Year 12 and 13 who have opted to do Further Maths. Our students gained invaluable hints on how to approach exam style questions and this will hopefully maximise their chances of gaining excellent A level results. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Ilyas Ahmed said 'I feel privileged to be part of this scheme as Eton College has a great history of academic excellence and am keen to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.'
Whilst at Ragstone Road we have had 15 budding year 10 GCSE pupils, who have been put through their paces by Eton College students. The continued support is by Eton College incredibly valuable and we are honoured to continue this partnership as we are confident this will help raise our achievement at KS4/5 Mathematics.
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GCSE MATHEMATICS
AIMS OF THE COURSE
- To enable students to acquire and use problem-solving strategies thus developing confidence and satisfaction in solving Mathematical problems.
- To apply Mathematical techniques and methods in Mathematical, every day and real world situations by interpreting and communication Mathematical information in a variety of forms and appropriate to the information and context.
- To help students to enjoy Mathematics, to appreciate its relevance to their future and to achieve their full potential.
EXAMINATION BOARD: EDEXCEL – LINEAR (1380)
The GCSE course focused on using and applying Mathematics in the following areas:
Number – including fraction, decimals, percentages, ratio, proportion and standard form.
Algebra – including Sequences, Iindices, Graphs, Construct and Solve Equations.
Geometry – including Constructions, Trigonometry, Circle Theorems, Vectors.
Measures – including Maps and Scale Drawings, Conversions, Bearings and Compound Measures.
Probability – including Theoretical and Empirical Probability, Outcomes, Tree Diagrams.
Statistics – including Collecting and Processing Data, Histograms and Frequency Polygons.
In addition elements of Functional Mathematics are embedded into the course to enable students to have the necessary skills they need to use Mathematics in real life.
The teaching of Mathematics enables cross curricular work to take place which will require the extensive use of ICT and project work.
Accessing the higher levels of learning will; give students an insight into areas of Mathematics that will inspire them to continue studying it at A level, Further Mathematics level and beyond.
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
The Edexcel GCSE Mathematics qualification will require students to sit two externally marked papers. The Non Calculator and Calculator papers each carry 50% of the marks available. Most students will sit the Higher Level papers which are aimed at the grades A* to D. A few students sit the Foundation Tier. The qualification no longer requires coursework. Teachers regularly assess students through their work in class, assessment homework for each module and termly tests.
AFTER KEY STAGE 4 / FUTURE CAREERS
Mathematics is universally recognised as a key qualification providing evidence of a student’s ability to process information logically, demonstrate skills in problem solving and work creatively. We have a large co-hort of students who stay on to study Maths at A-level at Slough and Eton.
It is a subject which combines extremely well with Science, Languages or Art A levels.
Studying Mathematics beyond GCSE will open doors to a plethora of career opportunities from banking and investment to working for the defence industry.
Students say:
“The Maths teachers always make maths very interesting and challenging” Aaron Kumar, Year 10
“Maths is fun and enjoyable because we manage to learn on the interactive whiteboard which is a better and more efficient way to learn” Ajay Rahl, Year 10
“Every time I have a maths lesson, I learn something new, which amazes me. I like to also use the laptops loaded with maths programs which makes understanding easier” Waqas Butt, year 10
The Maths Team
Head of Department: Ms F Rawoot
2nd in Department: Mrs J Kaye-Taylor
ICT: Mr D Dighorker
Director of Pupil Progress: Ms D Wyld
Other Teaching Staff: Mrs P Joshi, Ms D Patel, Mr A Wearmouth, Mr A Choudhry and Mr S Hayat
OUR AIMS
° To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
° To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
° To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Slough & Eton
° To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics
