Academic Departments Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics
Here in the Mathematics Department, our aims are to ensure that all pupils are challenged to realise their full mathematical potential regardless of their ability, and that they are fully supported by their tutors as they strive for this goal.
In order to achieve these aims, we have 24 full time members of staff, each with their own well-equipped teaching room in the modern mathematics department block. Each room has its own computer; and 16 out of 24 classrooms are equipped with a data projector, remote keyboard and mouse to allow full classroom interaction. We also have two computer suites within the department.
Pupils are divided by ability into sets for all their mathematics lessons at Millfield, allowing tutors to tailor the curriculum closely to the needs of each pupil.
At the top end of the ability spectrum, we offer special provision for the gifted and talented. This includes lesson-time preparation for the Intermediate and Senior Mathematics Challenges, the British Olympiads and the National Mathematics Competitions. We also run a special maths club, Pi Shop, allowing the very brightest pupils to give presentations on an area of ‘off the syllabus’ mathematics to their fellow pupils.
Our highest achieving lower-school pupils sit their GCSE in Year 10, progressing to an extra qualification in Additional Mathematics in Year 11.
At the other end of the ability spectrum, our set sizes are very small (typically six), allowing much more interaction with the teacher. In addition, we offer extra Learning Support lessons in classes with even smaller numbers. From September 2005 these classes have also had the advantage of a number of sixth form classroom assistants who assist the teacher. Here the emphasis is on basic numeracy practice and confidence building.
We offer workshops to all pupils for extra help. These are timetabled periods (typically six per week) where pupils can come along and ask an experienced member of the department for help with any part of their mathematics. They prove to be very popular!
The Examination Boards we use are
- Edexcel Linear 1387 – GCSE (Higher and Foundation levels)
- Edexcel 1389 GCSE Statistics
- OCR – Additional Mathematics
- OCR – AS/A2 Mathematics
- OCR – Further Mathematics
In summary, we are a very dedicated and friendly department, and our top priority is to give our pupils the best possible grounding both for examinations and for their future lives.