Fairfield High School for Girls

Introduction

The Mathematics Department has 6 full time and 1 part time qualified Mathematics teachers as well as 2 fully qualified teaching assistants:

• Ms Fisher - Director of Studies
• Mrs Phillips - Key Stage 3 Coordinator
• Mr Wilson - Key Stage 4 Coordinator
• Miss Bates - Able, Gifted and Talented Coordinator
• Miss McIver - SEND Coordinator
• Miss Hutchinson - Information & Communications Technology Coordinator
• Mrs Hill (part time) - Entry Level Coordinator
• Miss Heeney - Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Mrs Searle - Teaching Assistant currently studying for a PGCE

All pupils study mathematics for 6 hours every fortnight from Year 7 through to Year 11. Each year group is divided into 2 halves and pupils are then placed into their ability groups. Pupils are constantly assessed to monitor progress and attainment.

Year 7 pupils are assessed internally when they arrive in September before being placed into their groups within the first few weeks. During these 4 weeks they study Number work.

In Key Stage 3, Year 7 and 8 pupils are formally assessed at Christmas, Easter and at the end of the summer term. Set changes will happen at these times if appropriate however pupils can be moved sets at any time if this is required.

Key Stage 4 begins at the start of Year 9 when all pupils begin their Edexcel Linear GCSE at either the Foundation or Higher tier. Pupils are formally assessed both during and at the end of Years 9, 10 and 11.

We subscribe to and regularly use www.mymaths.co.uk as a teaching aid in lessons, pupils also use this for independent learning as well as homeworks and assessments. Pupils also have access to www.mangahigh.com and www.sumdog.com where we have just taken part in the November 2012 Tameside SUMDOG maths challenge. We also take part in the annual World Maths Day and run many clubs and activities such as University competitions and a code cracking club. The Department enters pupils for the UKMT challenges from junior level and the team challenges through to the Olympiad level. We also run a Maths Puzzle of the Week with half termly prizes for the top 3 students as well as a lucky dip prize for all entrants.

How Will Mathematics Help Me In My Career?

Mathematics is all around us in life and we use it on a daily basis, in many different ways. Almost all college courses and job applications require a GCSE in Mathematics, and most require this to be at a grade C or above.

The skills, knowledge and understanding you will learn in Mathematics and numeracy will help to prepare you for the world outside of school.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 each pupil studies the four main areas of mathematics:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data

They also develop skills such as:

• Calculating
• Using and applying mathematics
• Problem solving
• Functional Mathematics
• ICT
• Group work and discussion
• Presentation

Key Stage 4

There is only one route to a GCSE in Mathematics. All pupils study the Edexcel Linear GCSE (1MAO) at either the Foundation or Higher tier.

At Key Stage 4 & GCSE each pupil studies the four main areas of mathematics:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data

They also continue to develop skills such as:

• Calculating
• Using and applying mathematics
• Problem solving
• Functional Mathematics
• ICT
• Group work and discussion
• Presentation

Revision classes are regularly offered after school prior to a GCSE examination. We also aim to provide a revision day during the half term immediately prior to a GCSE examination.