Prospectus/Curriculum

Maths

Head of Maths: Mr. D. Bunce
Maths teacher: Mr. A. Pisani
Maths teacher: Dr. F. Fonche
Maths teacher: Ms. J. Mauree
Maths teacher: Mrs. E. Brown
Maths teacher: Mr. C. Bell

 

At present the department consists of seven members. As a matter of policy all teach across the full range of ages and abilities. Nicholas Breakspear has a genuine comprehensive intake and thus there is an opportunity to experience teaching across a broad spectrum.

We believe that Mathematics at Nicholas Breakspear R C School is taught in a very interactive mode. Pupils are highly involved in the learning of the subject. The department tries to ensure that mathematics is a subject accessible to all and also stimulating and enjoyable.

Each lesson starts with a short and snappy oral and mental starter. A typical Mathematics oral and mental starter would use resources such as number card games, 24-Game, individual pupil white board to show strategies used in mental calculation.

Pupils are constantly encouraged to talk and demonstrate Mathematics.

Pupils are placed in ability sets as soon as they begin Year 7. Setting at this stage is based on the Key Stage 2 SAT's results. A structured system of tests is in place in order to monitor our pupils.

Pupils in year 7,8 and 9 follow the Key Maths textbooks and Year 10 and 11 follow the Edexcel GCSE textbooks.

In the Sixth form pupils study 3 modules in the first year i.e. Pure Mathematics P1, Mechanics M1 and Statistics S1. Completion of this leads to an AS qualification.

Resources

The department is housed in a suite of 6 rooms plus an office. One room already houses a suite of computers. In addition there is a PC in the office linked to the school's network. Increasing use is being made of the school's computer rooms through the booking system. The department is currently working towards integrating computing into its Schemes of Work.

KS3

Setting occurs in Years 7, 8 and 9. The department is following courses based on 'Key Maths'. Students are tested after each chapter and marks are centrally recorded on the computer system.

KS4

The department enters candidates for EDEXCEL Examinations. Top sets use Higher Level EdExcel GCSE Mathematics. Middle sets use Intermediate Level EdExcel GCSE Mathematics and Bottom sets use Foundation Level EdExcel GCSE Mathematics.

KS5

The department offers courses leading to 'A' level in Pure Mathematics, Statistics or Mechanics. The London Syllabus is followed. In addition, GCSE courses run for those wishing to better their grade.