Subject Overview
The aims of the Mathematics Department are to provide the best possible education for each student; allowing each one to feel confident in their mathematical ability; achieve their full potential; be prepared for the world after school and gain satisfaction and enjoyment from their work. We believe that all students should be prepared to have a go!
“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not the attainment; full effort is full victory” Mahatma Gandhi
Programme of Study
Key Stage 3:
Year 7
- Numbers and Arithmetic
- Algebraic expressions
- Angles and Shapes
- Approximations
- Powers
- Statistics
- Equations
- Multiples, Factors and Primes
- Perimeter and Area
- Probability
- Fractions and Percentages
- Graphs and Equations
- Sequences
Year 8
- Powers
- Algebraic expressions
- Angles and Shapes
- Probability
- Equations and Inequalities
- Constructions
- Ratio and Proportion
- Formulas
- Perimeter, Area and Volumes
- Statistics
- Units and Scales
- Transformations
- Graphs and Equations
- Geometric relationships
Year 9
- Arithmetic, Multiples and Factors
- Expressions
- Angles and 2D shapes
- Fractions
- Equations
- Formulas
- Rati and Proportion
- Percentages
- Units, measuring and Estimating
- Inequalities
- Sequences
- Displaying data
- Constructions
- Sets
KS3 Extra-curricular:
- UKMT Maths challenge
- University of Hertfordshire Masterclasses (two students)
- Puzzle of the week (internal competition)
Key Stage 4:
GCSE Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel/Pearson
3 x 1.5 hr papers (Paper 1:Non-calculator; Papers 2 & 3: Calculator))
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in Years 10 and 11 since it is a required qualification for many jobs and for University and College entrance.
Students will study the reformed GCSE Maths qualification which has been designed to be more rigorous and robust, stretching the most able. There has been an increase in the volume of content in the syllabus in both breadth and depth. Content previously expected of higher tier students is now demanded at foundation tier and there will be an increase in the challenge of questions at both tiers. There will be greater emphasis on mathematical reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills. Students will be required to provide clear mathematical arguments. Fewer formulae will be provided meaning students need to memorise and recall some formula.
At the end of the course most students will sit the Higher Tier examination with some sitting the Foundation Tier if this is more appropriate for their ability
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to:
- develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
- acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
- reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
- comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context
Course Content:
- Number (Foundation: 22% to 28%) (Higher: 12% to 18%)
- Algebra (Foundation: 17% to 23%) (Higher: 27% to 33%)
- Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change (Foundation: 22% to 28%) (Higher: 17% to 23%)
- Geometry and Measures (Foundation: 12% to 18%) (Higher: 17% to 23%)
- Statistics and Probability (Foundation: 12% to 18%) (Higher: 12% to 18%)
GCSE Further Mathematics (Optional: for Set 1 only)
Examination Board:
2 x 1 hr 45 mins papers (Paper 1:Non-calculator; Papers 2: Calculator. 50% each paper)
This qualification fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies at Level 3. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the GCSE Mathematics, rather than as a replacement. The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth. This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills
Course Content:
- Number
- Algebra
- Co-ordinate Geometry
- Matrix Transformations
- Geometry
KS4 Extra-curricular:
- Maths Feasts
- UKMT Maths Challenge
A Level Mathematics/Further Maths
Mathematics A Level and Further maths A level are recognised as being rigorous courses. We request that students wanting to study A level Mathematics should achieve at least a grade 7 at GCSE and for A level Further Mathematics, a grade 8 or 9. At St Francis’ College A level Maths ais one of the most popular choices of A level.
A Level Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel/Pearson
2 x 2hrs Pure maths; 1 x 2hrs Applied Maths ( Statistics and Mechanics)
Course Content:
1.Pure Maths (66.7%)
- Proof
- Algebra and Functions
- Co-ordinate Geometry in the (x,y) plane
- Sequences and Series
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and Loarithms
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Numerical Methods
- Vectors
2. Applied Maths (Statistics) (16.7%)
- Statistical sampling
- Data presentation and interpretation
- Probability
- Statistical distributions
- Statistical hypothesis testing
3. Applied Maths (Mechanics) (16.7%)
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces and Newton’s Laws
- Moments
A Level Further Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel/Pearson
2 x 1.5hrs Core Pure maths; 1 x 1.5hrs Applied Maths (Further Statistics); 1 x 1.5 hrs Applied Maths (Further Mechanics)
Course Content:
1.Pure Maths (50%)
- Proof
- Complex Numbers
- Matrices
- Further Algebra and Functions
- Further Calculus
- Further Vectors
- Polar Co-ordinates
- Hyperbolic Functions
- Differential Equations
2. Applied Maths (Further Statistics) (25%)
- Discrete Probability Distributions
- Poisson and Binomial distributions
- Geometric and Negative Binomial distributions
- Hypothesis testing
- Central limit theorem
- Chi Squared tests
- Probability generating functions
- Quality of tests
3. Applied Maths (Further Mechanics) (25%)
- Momentum and Impulse
- Work Energy and Power
- Elastic strings and springs
- Elastic collisions in one dimension
- Elastic collisions in two directions
KS5 Extra-curricular:
- Maths Inspiration Roadshow (trip)
- UKMT Senior maths Challenge (competition)
- UKMT Senior Team Maths Challenge (competition)
- Graphical Calculator training (external speaker)
- SUMS magazine
