Introduction

Mathematics is important in our everyday life. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
Mathematical thinking is important for all members of a modern society as a habit of mind for its use in the workplace, business and finance; and for personal decision-making. Mathematics is fundamental to national prosperity in providing tools for understanding science, engineering, technology and economics. It is essential in public decision-making and for participation in the knowledge economy.
Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder for all pupils when they solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections. Pupils who are functional in mathematics and financially capable are able to think independently in applied and abstract ways, and can reason, solve problems and assess risk.
Mathematics is a creative discipline. The language of mathematics is international. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics has developed over time as a means of solving problems and also for its own sake.

Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage 3 mathematics curriculum is designed to provide all students with a solid foundation for their future studies. Throughout Year 7 and Year 8, students will study key areas of mathematics including number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. Students will develop a deep understanding of these fundamental mathematical concepts and be given the opportunity to apply their skills to a range of problems designed to improve their mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem solving skills.
In Year 9 pupils will begin the GCSE Mathematics course, which they will cover over a three year period.

Key Stage 4

How the course is assessed:

Three 1 hour 30 minute exams taken at the end of Year 11

Exam board:  OCR (J560)

Course overview:

At Gartree High School, the GCSE Mathematics course is delivered over a three-year period. Therefore, all of our Year 9 students have already started working towards their GCSE in Mathematics.

Mathematics is a core subject and is therefore studied by all students. The course is divided into two tiers, Foundation and Higher, and pupils will cover the material for one of these tiers depending on their ability. External assessment is 100% exam and students’ final grade will be based on three exams that will be taken at the end of Year 11 (there is no coursework element to the Mathematics course).

You can expect to:

• gain a firm understanding of the following five key areas of Mathematics:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometry and Measures
• Ratio and Proportion
• Statistics and Probability;
• develop strong reasoning and problem solving skills that will be beneficial in later life;
• experience high-quality and engaging lessons;
• develop independent study through regular homework assignments and online resources;

• receive appropriate support in exam preparation.

Where does it lead?

Mathematics is a beautiful and engaging subject that equips students with vital reasoning and problem solving skills. Due to the broad nature of the subject, a strong grasp of Mathematics will support learning in other subject areas such as Science, Economics, Business Studies, Computer Science and even certain aspects of Physical Education. Many career paths are open to Mathematics students, including engineering, computing, finance and academia. A strong GCSE grade in Mathematics is a pre-requisite for almost all AS and A2 courses, indicating the importance of this fascinating subject.

Assessment and other information:

Students will require the following equipment for every lesson during the GCSE Mathematics course:

• pen, pencil, rubber, pencil sharpener and ruler;
• protractor;
• a pair of compasses;
• a scientific calculator (available to purchase from Gartree High School).

The Mathematics Department at Gartree High School consists of skilled and GCSE experienced teachers who are working at the cutting edge of modern Mathematics teaching. The department is fully up-to-date with the recent changes to the content and assessment system of the GCSE Mathematics course and will offer a broad and high quality experience to all pupils who attend Gartree High School.

3b. GCSE Statistics and Addition Mathematics
This course will be offered during Years 10 and 11.

Desired entry requirement:
Candidates must be very able mathematicians and must be nominated by their current mathematics teacher.

How the course is assessed:
Additional Mathematics (6993) – a single two hour examination provides 100% of the final assessment.
GCSE Statistics – 100% examination assessment (number of exams and timings to be confirmed)
Exam Boards:
Additional Mathematics (6993) – OCR
GCSE Statistics – AQA
Where does it lead?
Students will follow two courses: a GCSE in Statistics and a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification in Additional Mathematics. These two courses will run alongside the GCSE Mathematics course that all students will follow.
The GCSE Statistics course will build upon the basic statistics and probability covered in the GCSE Mathematics course, giving students a wider knowledge of this important and widely used subject.
The Additional Mathematics course is designed to bridge the gap between GCSE and A Level Mathematics. Additional Mathematics is regarded as a Level 3 qualification, meaning that it is considered as the same standard as A Level courses and will provide UCAS points which are required for the university application process.
This option is ideal for any student considering to study mathematics beyond GCSE. The contents of the two courses offered will provide students with a greater breadth of mathematical knowledge and a head start on A Level Mathematics.
Course overview – Additional Mathematics
Students will build on their work in the GCSE Mathematics course and gain a deeper knowledge of Algebra, Co-ordinate Geometry and Trigonometry. Calculus will also be introduced – a key area of mathematics that is included in many A Level Mathematics units.
The course will be assed with a single two hour examination at the end of Year 11. No coursework is required. The examination result will be reported as a grade A, B, C, D, E or U (as this is not a GCSE course, the new 9-1 grading system is not used).
Course overview – GCSE Statistics
Students will develop a greater knowledge of statistics and probability. Course specifications are still to be released.
The course will be assessed by an examination at the end of Year 11. No coursework is required.
You can expect to:
• Build on your current knowledge and investigate new ideas in the following areas of mathematics:
o Algebra
o Co-ordinate Geometry
o Calculus
o Statistics and Probability
• Develop and use strong reasoning and problem solving skills that will be beneficial in later life.
• Study topics that are included in A Level Mathematics courses.
• Be involved in high quality and engaging lessons.
• Have the opportunity for independent study through regular homework assignments and online resources.
• Receive support in exam preparation.

This option is highly recommended for more able mathematics students who are considering studying mathematics at A Level and beyond. The courses will be delivered by teachers with prior experience of teaching GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Statistics, A Level Core (Pure) Mathematics, A Level Statistics, A Level Mechanics and A Level Decision Mathematics. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper insight into this fascinating subject and gain a head start on post-16 mathematics.