Mathematics

Staff

The Mathematics department comprises seven specialist teachers. We are fortunate to have a team where every member has the expertise for teaching key stage 3 up to key stage 5 (A level). The Department staff are:

  • Mr G Dhillow (Head of Department)
  • Mr B Bansal (Deputy in Department)
  • Mr A Campbell (Head of year 11)
  • Mrs Y Lin-Fellows
  • Mr B Bansal
  • Ms P To
  • Mr R Sangar
  • Mr Alexander

Vision

To enable students to discover the joy and beauty of Mathematics and to be confident in applying Mathematics in the real world.

HGS Maths Resources

WE HAVE OUR OWN WEBSITE DEDICATED TO ALL THINGS MATHS HERE AT HGS:

www.hgsmaths.com

Please also see this video from our YouTube channel that explains how the website supports students and parents: https://youtu.be/xQ19q6g_vPw

Aims

  1. To create a positive attitude to mathematics and to develop, maintain and stimulate students’ curiosity, interest and enjoyment in mathematics.
  2. To develop students’ familiarity with appropriate mathematical concepts, principles, methods and vocabulary.
  3. To develop students’ understanding of mathematics in its widest context, to see how it relates to themselves outside school and to appreciate the purpose, power and relevance of mathematics.
  4. To encourage students to develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, self-confidence and independence.
  5. To enable pupils to work independently and as part of a team.
  6. To enable all students to have equal access to mathematics and to experience success in their work.
  7. To allow students to develop transferable skills and informed opinions about mathematics and to be able to support them by reasoned arguments.

Key Stage 3

  • Work through the foundational material of the new 9-1 GCSE Mathematics.
  • We place a great emphasis on using mathematics as well as learning mathematics and so we also make use of investigations as well as entering students for the UKMT Maths challenge.
  • For each chapter of work there is a prior knowledge check to begin with and regular summative and formative assessments for each chapter of work.
  • In Years 7 and 8 pupils are taught in form groups.
  • Pupil self-assessment is a very important part of assessment for learning. Pupils have ample opportunity to reflect upon their strengths and areas for development.
  • We subscribe to drfrostmaths.com.
  • Homework is set regularly, on average twice weekly, and may make use of the aforementioned online resources.
  • Your son will need a scientific calculator and geometry set for this course of study.

Key Stage 4

The department follows the new 2015 specification of EDEXCEL GCSE Higher Mathematics.  All students are entered at the higher level. The students are placed in 3 ability sets. Some of our students also complete an additional GCSE, AQA’s GCSE Further Maths.

All qualifications are taken in year 11.

  • The new GCSE is assessed over 3 x 90 minute examinations. Two of which allow a calculator. All are marked out of 80 marks.
  • For more information about assessment and the new qualification please click here
  • It comprises a non-calculator paper and a calculator paper.
  • We place a great emphasis on using mathematics as well as learning mathematics and so we also make use of investigations as well as entering students for the UKMT Maths challenge.
  • We subscribe to drfrostmaths.com.
  • Homework is set regularly, on average twice weekly, and may make use of the aforementioned online resources.
  • Your son will need a scientific calculator and geometry set for this course of study.

A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Specification and resources

We follow the new Edexcel specification for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

Entrance requirements

Students require at least a grade 9 at GCSE Mathematics for A level Mathematics and at least a grade 8 for study of Further Mathematics

A Level Mathematics

The new A levels are examined after 2 years over 3 two hour papers which cover Pure/Core Maths and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics/Statistics) in a 2:1 ratio.

We use the Pearson Edexcel textbooks for all A level courses which we provide access to students via active learn.

Students cover the AS content of the full A level in year 12. This content is the basis for their end of year finals. As well as these finals students are given 3 formal assessments during the year.

Students are given 1 hours’ worth of homework for each of their 5 weekly lessons.

A Level Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics is a separate subject and students who do this will gain two A levels; A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics. You will be allocated extra lessons for this extra A level and it will take up one of your option blocks when you apply for sixth form with us.

Further Mathematics also covers Pure/Core Mathematics and applied Mathematics. For the Edexcel Further Maths A level we cover Pure Core 1 and 2, Further Pure 1 and Further Mechanics 1.

Further Mathematics is the right choice for you if:

  • You are a gifted Mathematician and would like to focus on Mathematics at A level
  • You are interested in applying for Mathematics or Mathematically related degrees at University

The best thing to do is speak to us if you are considering doing Further Mathematics.

We also provide support for Oxford/Cambridge papers for those who wish to apply.

Departmental Development Plan

Please click here to view the Maths Departmental Development Plan 2019 – 2022