We aim to foster an enjoyment and fluency n Mathematics, leading to success and confidence in this vital subject. Problem –Functional skills, solving and critical thinking strategies are interwoven into the Mathematics syllabus, developing the pupils’ ability to think independently.

Pupils regularly take part in the UK Maths challenge which stimulates interest in Maths and tests pupils reasoning and mental agility. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to top performers.

Description of KS3 scheme of work

The Maths curriculum throughout key stage 3 is that outlined in the Key Stage 3 strategy. This has been divided into units of work, each lasting approximately two weeks. Effort has been made to link the subject matter covered in these units across the different year groups so that, where possible, all Key Stage classes are working on the same strand of the National Curriculum at any given time. The Year 7 scheme builds on work done during Key Stage 2 with more able pupils covering aspects of work taken from the Year 8 scheme and lower groups revisiting Year 6 work. Students are set on arrival in year 7 into top, middle and bottom sets using KS2 results and information from Primary schools. These sets are refined in the light of CATs results, internal half termly tests, classwork and homework. Lessons follow the structure outlined in the Key Stage 3 Strategy with each lesson beginning with a mental and oral activity and ending with a plenary session. Pupils in lower sets are exposed to materials from the Springboard 7 folder in line with DfEE recommendations to target those pupils who have not achieved National Curriculum level 4.They may also be offered an opportunity to take part in the maths intervention programme. Student’s progress is continually monitored and setting reviewed at key points throughout years 7 and 8, but setting arrangements within each year are designed to fit the ability profile of that particular cohort.

National Curriculum

These are the five Strands in the National Curriculum

1. Mathematical processes and applications
2. Number
3. Algebra
4. Geometry and measures
5. Statistics

Description of KS4 scheme of work

All pupils study Mathematics at Key Stage 4. Students in Sets 1 to 8 follow the Edexcel Linear programme. All pupils are taught to develop both calculator and non-calculator methods and to apply their skills to real-world problems wherever possible. There is no longer any coursework for any GCSE Mathematics course; those following the Linear programme are assessed in June with two examinations of equal weighting.

Higher - grades A* to D are possible
Foundation - grades C to G are possible

Syllabus: 1380 Linear Edexcel GCSE Mathematics<

Note: Coursework is no longer used in assessment at GCSE as a result of a directive from the Government (see news bulletin - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5385556.stm )

Mock Exams: Our students will sit two mock exams, the first in December and the second in February

Statistics

Additionally, GCSE statistics is offered to most pupils. Pupils will need to complete a piece of statistics coursework for GCSE statistics. Please note, this will be replaced by Controlled Assessments in 2010.

Gifted and Talented

The Department provides greater challenges in lessons for our students and opportunities for pupils to develop and thrive and reach their full potential.

Fast tracking - Pupils in top set year8 to do the SATS a year earlier.

Maths Challenge - Pupils regularly take part in the UK Maths challenge which stimulates interest in Maths and tests pupils reasoning and mental agility. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to top performers.

Outside Activities- The school takes part in a variety of activities outside school

ICT-The Maths Department house a computer suite equipped with 30 computers and the latest software available.

Interactive white board- All Maths rooms are equipped with interactive white boards. The Department is committed to use the latest software available.

Extracurricular (clubs, trips, etc)

The department runs HOMEWORK CLUB on Fridays after school. This club is designed to assist pupils with their homework and any problems they might come across during the week.

Year 11 Revision Classes

The department is committed to our student’s achievement and future, and in order to help our students reach their full potential, the department have designed special classes, were pupils have a choice to revise any topic with any member of staff they choose. This revision commences after the Christmas period.

Relevant Department policy

1. End of half term exams for all year groups.
2. Pupil’s performance is monitored every fortnight to ensure the effectiveness of their progress.
3. Exercise books for all year groups are monitored by the Director of Mathematics every term.
4. Setting targets for all our pupils. Staff  work extremely hard to meet these targets.
5. Class work is monitored on a weekly basis by the Director of Maths, to ensure smooth learning for all our pupils.
6. Our Year 11 pupils will sit two mock exams to ensure their preparation for the final GCSE exams.
7. All our lower school pupils complete one mini project each term, this project is based on functional skills.

Homework policy

Learning at home is an essential part of good education. Regular homework is important as it gives pupils the opportunity to practice at home the tasks covered in class, and helps the pupils work towards improving important skills. It also helps children and young people to become confident and independent in their learning, which will help throughout their time at school and in adult life.

At The Chafford School Mathematics Department our student completes one to two homework a week. The completion of homework and the quality of work produced  are closely monitored and recorded by the subject teacher. If a student submits work which is not commensurate with their ability or if he/she fails to produce complete homework without good reason, prompt action would be taken.

Relevant websites

Mymaths

http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ Online lessons and homework for students.

BBC GCSE Revision

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/

Maths Net www.mathsnet.net Interactive on line mathematical activities aimed at students, teachers and anyone else. Recent major developments are for AS/A2 and Geometry across the ability/age range.

The Association of Teachers of Mathematics www.atm.org.uk Full of information for teachers in all types of schools.

BBC - Maths Site www.bbc.co.uk maths Includes some interactive sites for Primary and Secondary.

Cut the Knot www.cut-the-knot.com Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles.

GCSE Maths - Past Exam Papers www.gcsemathspastpapers.com Excellent web site for GCSE mathematics.

KS3/KS4 Virtual Teacher Centre mathematics vtc.ngfl.gov.uk - teacher resource exchange KS3/KS4 Virtual Teacher Centre mathematics- provides an online focal point for the development and exchange of teaching ideas and resources.

Enriching Mathematics www.nrich.maths.org.uk A rich resource, for extending students, with new activities each month; use the Archive to find activities and solutions from previous months.

Stats 4 Schools www.stats4schools.gov.uk Helps teachers and pupils to get more from statistics. For pupils, datasets you can download and include in your own projects, free of charge. For teachers, lesson plans and worksheets, which you are free to download and use in class.

S.O.S. Mathematics (American Site) sosmath.com/ Is a free resource for math review material from Algebra to Differential Equations!

AAA Math aaamath.com/ Features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts.

The Mathematical Atlas www.math-atlas.org/ A gateway to the areas of modern mathematics and to resources for those areas

Fast Maths GCSE Revision www.gcse-maths-revision-cards.co.uk/ Revise with the GCSE exam experts. GCSE Maths revision for Intermediate and Higher GCSE Mathematics. Maths GCSE exam past papers analysed - revision cards designed for quick revision for GCSE .