Mathematics

We aim to provide a high-quality mathematics education that provides a foundation for understanding the world

Curriculum Intent

We aim to provide a high-quality mathematics education that provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Our intent with the mathematics curriculum at St Edward’s is to ensure that all students:

  • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
  • Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
  • Can solve problems by applying their mathematical understanding to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems in to a series of simpler steps and persevering inn seeking solutions.

Key Stage 3

The course will recognise that mathematics is an interconnected subject in which students need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas.  The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is organised into apparently distinct domains, but students will build on key and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.  They will also apply their mathematical across all subjects at St Edward’s.

The programme of study builds on Key Stage 2 learning, supported by our close links to local primary schools, and provides stretch and challenge for pupils . Over Years 7, 8 and 9 we introduce new areas of study, in a differentiated manner, to ensure all pupils make progress against the mathematics national curriculum prior to KS4.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Mathematics allows you to develop your skills and understanding across Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability.  You will learn about the relationship between these areas of Maths and where and how they apply to real life situations.

Existing Maths knowledge will be expanded and applied to new and more in-depth challenges.  You will learn to make informed mathematical assumptions and prove or disprove them yourself.  Your problem-solving skills will be honed and improved; skills that are applicable and valuable in many other subjects within school and careers in the future.

The course is accredited by AQA and consists of 3 external examinations at the end of Year 11.

At St Edward’s we strive to support pupils to achieve their fullest potential, and for some students this might be a stepping stone to GCSE such as Entry Level Certificate or Functional Skills Level 1 or Level 2.  For our highest ability we also offer Level 2 Further Mathematics, which is a superb insight to studying Mathematics at A-Level.

Method of Assessment GCSE (9-1)

Exam Board: Edexcel

External Assessment 100%

Exam Structure: Examination one – non-calculator, Examination two – calculator, Examination three – calculator

Method of Assessment Level 2 Further Maths

Exam Board: AQA

External Assessment 100%

Exam Structure: Examination one – non-calculator, Examination two – calculator, Examination three – calculator

Method of Assessment Functional Skills Level 1

Exam Board: Edexcel

External Assessment 100%

Exam Structure: Examination one – non-calculator, Examination two – calculator

Method of Assessment Functional Skills Level 2

Exam Board: Edexcel

External Assessment 100%

Exam Structure: Examination one – non-calculator, Examination two – calculator,

Method of Assessment ELC (5930)

Exam Board: AQA

External Assessment 100%

Exam Structure: Eight small assessments across eight mathematical components

Pathways after Year 11

Mathematics GCSE is a requirement for a huge number of Post 16 courses and for all University degree level courses.  It is highly valued by employers, not only for showing your numerical ability, but also to show your ability to learn new skills and processes.

At St Edward’s a large number of students choose to study, Level 3 Core Maths, A Level Mathematics and A-Level Further Maths.  These are challenging, yet rewarding courses for both gifted and hardworking Mathematicians.  A number of students every year go on to read Mathematics at University. However, A Level Mathematics is also valued by admission tutors of other degrees and companies offering Apprenticeship Degrees.

 Key Stage 5

The variety offered at St Edward’s provides students with a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace.  The logic and reasoning skills developed during their studies make sure the qualification is widely respected even in non-mathematical arenas. Please visit our sixth form pages for more information

Course Contact

Mr M Hegarty

Maths Subject Leader