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Welcome to the Mathematics Department
Mathematics is an important and flourishing subject at BISAK.
Through clear and positive teaching we aim pupils to be logical and methodical in their problem solving approach.
It is our goal, through good practice, to achieve the following aims in our teaching and learning environment:
- Students can develop and use mathematical skills to solve real life problems.
- Students are taught to work logically and to reflect on the problem solving process.
- Students will appreciate that a mathematical problem may have only one “answer”, but there are often many solutions.
Our aim is to enable our pupils to enjoy Mathematics and we are determined to ensure that all of our students fully realise their potential and achieve their goals in Mathematics. A good foundation in Mathematics is essential for many different careers, including; Engineering, Science, Technology, Business and Finance.
As confident and competent Mathematicians, the pupils of BISAK will be able to open the many doors and opportunities which lie ahead.
We follow the English National Curriculum at all Key Stages. The National Numeracy Strategy is implemented in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. We use a wide variety of teaching styles including whole class teaching, group work and individual work.
In Key Stage 1, the topics taught include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, simple fractions, telling the time and recognising shape and patterns.
In Key Stage 2 we build on the earlier foundations and develop children’s understanding in all topic areas. Topics are drawn from all four Attainment Targets including fractions, decimals, percentages, statistics, shapes, data handling and an introduction to basic algebra. At the end of Key Stage 2 many of our students achieve Level 5.
On entering the school in year 7, pupils are placed in teaching groups based on their KS2 results.
The work in KS3 is aimed at consolidating the skills pupils have learnt at their previous Key Stages. This will provide them with the building blocks necessary to be able to enjoy success with Mathematics at GCSE level and beyond.
In years 10 and 11, pupils are taught in different teaching groups based on attainment; those experiencing particular difficulties with Mathematics are taught in smaller groups, enabling them to receive more individual attention. The course covers the main topics in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Handling. The normal level of entry for the GCSE examination is the Higher Tier.
It follows a traditional, textbook based approach leading to the Edexcel GCSE and IGCSE (International GCSE) examinations, for which all pupils are entered. This offers an excellent general education in Mathematics and a helpful foundation for A-Level work. No coursework is required for this course.
The structure of lessons may vary from pupils solving problems individually, in small groups or in whole class lessons. We also make full use of the school's excellent ICT facilities in teaching Mathematics.
We closely liaise with the in-house Learning Support Department when students have difficulties with their number skills or mathematical comprehension.
Our aim is that all pupils will develop their mathematical potential, be stretched and challenged by their mathematical lessons and maintain their confidence in their ability to deal with future challenges.
For Schemes of work click here...
