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Mathematics

The Mathematics department is of fundamental importance in any school, and no less so at Barnwell. We look for success in both academic performance and in the development and progress of the students.

The staff are well-qualified, experienced practitioners who take great pride in their practice and their professionalism and thoroughly enjoy their subject.

All students follow a structured scheme of work that prepares them well for public exams. It also challenges them to think, to take an active role in lessons and helps them become independent learners.

Key Stage 3

Students are set by ability, allowing progress at the most appropriate level and pace. In setting early in Year 7, and adopting the National Numeracy Strategy, we hope to build on the success of students at Key Stage 2, and the valuable work done by our colleagues in our feeder schools. Our Key Stage 3 SATs results have always been most satisfactory.

Immediately after completing their Key Stage 3 exams Year 9 students begin their GCSE course

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students are again set by ability. Most students will take the AQA modular GCSE exam, with a very small number taking the linear GCSE in Mathematics and BTEC in Mathematics Applications. Additionally, students will also sit exams in Functional Maths and Adult Numeracy. Our students have normally acquitted themselves very well at GCSE, which is a tribute to both students and staff.

 

Key Stage 5 (Post 16)

In the Sixth Form, we run GCSE modular maths and the AQA A/AS level course. Our students have been extremely successful in recent years. Recently, we have also introduced an AS level in Further Maths.

Students are encouraged to look beyond the classroom, and to see their mathematics as useful, relevant and interesting. Our Extended Learning often reflect’s that aspiration.

MathsWatch

The Role of ICT in Mathematics

At Barnwell we are passionate about delivering an evolving curriculum in mathematics and are we are constantly looking to develop new ways to learn. It is through this desire, which we have continued to keep pace with technology and use the latest teaching and learning aids. Some examples of typical technology based teaching and learning activities and assessment for learning include:

Learning is fun

  • We often use our Interactive Whiteboards for a range of learning activities in lessons.
  • This allows students to develop confidence by participating in interactive activities and games which aid learning.

Crunching numbers

  • We offer statistics at GCSE level and coursework involves working with spreadsheets to sort and analyse data - have you ever tried to sort a list with 1,000s of entries without one?

Assessment for Learning

  • Testing times for the students are often made more accessible through on-line tests. Year 8 have piloted end of term test modules using the Internet.

Research in learning mathematics

  • Research activities this year have included a project working with the students to understand the best medium for learning and they completed electronic questionnaires detailing their preferences for lessons.

Key Stage 5

In the Sixth Form, we run GCSE modular maths and the AQA A and AS Level course. Our students have been extremely successful in recent years. Recently, we have also introduced both A Level and AS Level in further Maths.

The Maths Department is well resourced with text-books and practical equipment. Almost all teaching is in specialist rooms which are carefully looked after to ensure a pleasant and comfortable environment for all. We have access to the school's network, giving students the opportunity to use ICT as part of their learning.

All maths classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards with access to the schools internet site. Additional software has been purchased and incorporated into the department's schemes of work.

Students are encouraged to look beyond the classroom, and to see their mathematics as useful, relevant and interesting. Our Extended Learning often reflects that aspiration.

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