Mathematics
“Being a good mathematician is not about knowing all the answers; it’s about how you behave when you don’t know.”
Our ethos as a department is to foster a love of mathematics, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We often get asked, “when are we going to use this?” We like to use the analogy of footballers lifting weights. “They do this to make them fitter and stronger, but they don’t lift those weights on the football pitch“. Similarly, by practising maths you are training your brain to become fitter and stronger, and to be able to apply these critical thinking skills to a variety of other areas.
We aim to offer a good balance of support and challenge, and encourage our students to be independent and resilient learners. We have a track record of outstanding results at both GCSE and A Level. Maths is one of the most popular choices in the 6th form.
Extra-curricular enrichment
Year 7 – STEM club, UKMT activities, CED.
Year 8 – STEM club, UKMT activities, CED.
Year 9 – STEM club, UKMT activities, CED.
Year 10/11 – STEM club, UKMT activities, CED.
Year 12/13 – Maths Captains, MathsFest trip.
Stretch & Challenge
We participate in the UKMT Maths Challenges which provide ample opportunity for stretch and challenge of our pupils. We also participate in team events, and our STEM club provides an opportunity for students to get involved in a range of extra-curricular activities. Check out our STEM club twitter page for more information.
Where can Maths take you?
A Maths qualification can open up so many doors and is always viewed favourably by potential employers. There are a wide range of careers which maths applies to, in areas ranging from engineering to entertainment. Maths is more than simply being able to solve an equation or perform mental arithmetic; it teaches us how to logically approach a problem and opens up the world around us, as well as being able to help us develop mental resilience. These skills are desirable in any career and some of the most popular are listed below:
- Actuary
- Accountant
- Air Traffic Controller
- Animator
- Meteorologist
- Engineer
- Architect
- Data Analyst
- Medical Scientist
- Financial advisor
- Economist
- Statistician
- Stockbroker
- Urban Planner
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Computer Scientist
How parents can support their child’s learning?
Parents can support their child’s learning by checking the weekly completion of the Sparx Maths homework and asking their child to show them their key learning and notes at the end of each homework.
Parents of Year 11 students can ask to see their child’s assessment folder and use this to structure a revision plan targeting weaker areas.
Our assessment dates and topics are always posted on Google Classroom and parents can regularly check this as well to support their child with revision.
Useful links
Sparx Maths: https://www.sparxmaths.uk/
5 a day revision: https://corbettmaths.com/5-a-day/gcse/
Formula required for GCSE: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/misc/gcse-maths-formulae-sheet-a5.pdf
GCSE specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/specification-and-sample-assesment/gcse-maths-2015-specification.pdf
Additional Info
Twitter: @VerulamMaths and @verulamstemclub
