Maths

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Key Stage 3
GCSE
AS Level

Staffing

Mr M. Smith (Head of Department)
Miss L.Daly (Second in Department)
Mr R. Andrew (Deputy Headmaster)
Mrs B. Ganitski (Head of Year 13)
Mrs L. Howard
Mr G. Holmes
Mr A. Parry
Mr R. Watkinson (Head of Upper School)
Mr R Watt
Miss S Crowley

The department is staffed by a team of nine specialist mathematics teachers.Two of the classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards with appropriate teaching software for all pupils. In addition to this the department has regular access to the schools ICT suites.

Key Stage 3:

Mathematics at Key Stage 3:

Mathematics at Key stage 3 covers work on Number, Shape and Space, Algebra and Data Handling. Apart from the obvious numeric skills, mathematics teaches many more ‘transferable’ skills. Mathematics teaches us to think logically, to become good problem solvers, to communicate accurately, concisely and clearly and to handle detailed and complex material carefully.

There is a great deal of emphasis on mental arithmetic and calculating using ‘pen and paper’ methods. Nevertheless a scientific calculator is essential and pupils must bring their own calculator to all maths lessons. Pupils will also require their own basic mathematical tools such as a compass and a protractor as well as the normal items of pen, HB pencil (sharp), pen, ruler (30 cm), rubber and a pencil sharpener.

The pupils are placed in ability sets at the start of year 7 (from September 2008) based on their Key Stage 2 SAT results. They then sit assessment tests at the end of each topic to monitor progress and the results of these tests are used for set moves after the first half term if necessary.

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Key Stage 4:

Mathematics at Key Stage 4:

At the beginning of year 10, pupils are placed into ability sets based on their Key Stage 3 SAT result and an assessment by the Mathematics department.

We run the modular mathematics GCSE (AQA syllabus B) at both Higher and Foundation tiers.

The Mathematics department will decide which tier of entry will give the greatest chance of each pupil achieving their maximum possible grade.

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THE MODULAR GCSE COURSE

The new course (starting in Sept 2007 for year 10) consists of three modules which are examined at various times throughout years 10 and 11.

MODULE 1 - 19% of the total marks

This module consists entirely of ‘Statistics and Probability’. Usually pupils take the examinations in either November or March of year 10. These consist of two 30-minute papers, the first a calculator paper and the second a non-calculator paper.

MODULE 2 – the coursework element of GCSE mathematics no longer exists for 2009 exams and beyond

MODULE 3 - 26% of the total marks

This is the ‘Number’ module and consists of fractions, percentages, units, ‘pen and paper’ methods of calculation, etc. The examination takes place during the summer term of year 10 and consists of two 40-minute papers; the first a calculator paper the second a non-calculator paper.

MODULE 4 - the coursework element of GCSE mathematics no longer exists for 2009 exams and beyond

MODULE 5 - 55% of the total marks

This is the big module and consists mainly of algebra and shape and space. The examinations take place during the summer term of year 11 and consist of two 75-minute papers, a non calculator and calculator paper held on 2 different days.

There are two tiers available. All students follow the format described above, but each tier contains different levels of mathematics.

Tier	Grades available at these levels
Foundation	Grades C to G
Higher	Grades A* to D

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Additional Mathematics

Title of course: Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ) in Additional Mathematics (Advanced)

Exam: 1 paper (2 hours). Calculator, but no formula sheet

The course is accessible to pupils who are very good at Mathematics and find it easy. It is an excellent grounding for A’ level and should help achieve an A* grade at GCSE. This course will take place at the same time as some of the lessons for the ICT course. Therefore pupils taking Additional Mathematics will have to complete the ICT course in a shorter time than normal and will be expected to spend extra time, independently working on the ICT course.

AS Level

Mathematics in the Sixth Form

Mathematics at AS and A2 (Examined by OCR)

Mathematics is a very popular A level subject at Audenshaw. This modular course consists of a mixture of two-thirds Pure Mathematics and one-third Applied Mathematics.

The A level course entitled ‘MEI Structured Mathematics’ is highly regarded by universities and employers, it fits any combination of subjects and complements a wide range of other courses such as Business Studies, Geography, Information Technology and Sciences.

In the first year of study, Statistics1, Introduction to Advanced Mathematics (C1) and Concepts for Advanced Mathematics (C2) will be taken for an AS level qualification. Mechanics 1, Methods for Advanced Mathematics (C3) and Applications of Advanced Mathematics (C4) will be studied in the second year for a full A level.

The modules offer logical and clearly structured progression through mind-stretching exercises. The work will be challenging and highly enjoyable. It will involve use of graphic calculators and software packages, especially in conjunction with coursework.

You will be introduced to new fields of study including Calculus, Mechanics and Functions, while developing familiar areas such as Algebra, Probability and Trigonometry.

The demanding course requires a good knowledge of Higher-level Mathematics. To be accepted on this course you will need a grade A or A* at GCSE.

Further Mathematics AS and A2 (Examination Board OCR)

You should think of doing Further Mathematics if you enjoy Mathematics and are very good at it, especially algebraic manipulation. It must be taken in conjunction with ‘A’ level Mathematics - you cannot take Further Mathematics on its own. It will involve 12 modules in all resulting in certification in two ‘A’ levels, Maths and Further Maths or 9 modules resulting in ‘A’ level Maths and AS Further Maths.

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