The department is well resourced for the teaching of Mathematics, having its own suite of rooms, a departmental office and access to computing classrooms. Each Mathematics classroom has its own computer which is on the school network and linked to the Internet. Students and staff have access to the full range of software relevant to the teaching of mathematics - spreadsheets and graph plotting packages are in regular use by students and staff.
From Year 7 the girls embark on a five year mathematics programme leading to the GCSE and for Division 1 Additional Mathematics. Year 7 students are approximately sorted into ability sets on arrival, based on their entrance examination. They have a common programme for the first three years although we re-assess them regularly and the girls can move between the sets. The top set have a specially enhanced programme designed to make strong academic demands on them and to further their interest and enthusiasm for the subject-their programme will lead to GCSE Mathematics and, for a number of them, Additional Mathematics. Class sizes at Key Stage 3 and 4 never exceed 21 and we normally maintain a smaller set of about 5 or 6 students for those who have difficulties with Mathematics.
In the Sixth Form we usually run two teaching sets. In addition to the full A level some girls will also take an A or AS level in Further Mathematics, and we are keen to encourage them to do so. We encourage the students in this set to take the Advanced Extension Award, and prepare them for this examination through the two year programme. There is additional support for those seeking admission to Oxford or Cambridge.
A-level sets are up to 10 to 15, and often less. Students are encouraged to develop self discipline in their studies, and to take on an increasing responsibility for their own learning. The staff in the department are very supportive of all students, the result being, an unusually high number of girls take A level Mathematics often as high as 76% and no girl has achieved a D at GCSE, who has sat the exam, in the last five years. At A level the examination results are always excellent and last year the girls achieved 24 A’s and 4 B’s. The girls also regularly achieve top fives at A Level as well as Merits and Distinctions in the Advanced Extension Award.
We always enter students for the National Mathematics Competitions, both in the Sixth Form and at Key Stage 3 and 4. We also run mathematics clubs. At GCSE level the girls are entered follow the Edexcel syllabus and at A2 and AS we enter our candidates for the examinations of the AQA. At Sixth form the girls are also entered for a pilot scheme that increases there chances of achieving A’s at A level.
Mathematics is a popular subject in the school, with a growing proportion wishing to continue studying the subject into the sixth form. Awareness of the wide applicability of Mathematics has been enhanced by attending lectures on such diverse themes as Mathematics in Industry, Infinity, Probability, The Mathematics of Roller Coasters and String Theory.
