Mathematics

Unlocking every child’s potential to be a successful Mathematician.

The Mathematics department at Applemore College is made up of 6 maths specialists who are passionate about the subject and want to inspire all students with the beauty of mathematics. We work hard to unlock every child’s potential to be a successful Mathematician; developing confidence to use the mathematics skills they learn to approach the problems that they may encounter later in life.

Our aim is for all students to gain the understanding of mathematics that they need to progress in the subject, as well as developing their problem solving skills. Students are set on entry at Applemore College, to ensure that all students are both stretched to achieve their potential in Maths, but also to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. In Year 7 and Year 8, students develop their mathematical understanding through the use of physical resources and pictorial representations. As students progress through the school, new concepts are introduced as small steps, ensuring that confidence is built at each stage. There is also a focus on reasoning and discussion within lessons to ensure that students are able to explain their ideas in a mathematical way.

During their time here at Applemore College, students have the opportunity to take part in the UKMT Maths challenges, where students are able to compete against other students nationally in solving mathematical problems. Our high mathematical achievers are also invited to study for the Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics qualification in Year 10 and 11. We believe that everyone can be successful Mathematicians and we work hard to unlock each child’s potential.

Our Staff

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Mr J Byrne

Head of Maths
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Mr S Gaunt

Assistant Headteacher
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Mrs L Godfrey

Teacher of Maths
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Mr C Lopez

Head of Year 10 & Teacher of Maths
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Miss M Markham-Smith

Second in Maths
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Mr J Salzman

Head of Year 11 & Teacher of Maths

Core Information

ACCESSIBILITY – SEND PROVISION

  • Department based Learning Support staff who are used to working with our curriculum and methods within mathematics.
  • Access arrangements given for assessments
  • Concrete and pictorial representations used where possible
  • Prepared resources adapted for particular needs in terms of coloured paper, font size etc.
  • New content introduced through small steps and Example-Problem pairs.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

  • After School Revision Club for Year 11 students every Tuesday.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (by invitation)
  • UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge for Year 7 and 8 Mathematicians (April each year)
  • UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge for Year 9, 10 and 11 Mathematicians (January/February each year)
  • Applemore Primary School Mathematics Challenge for Year 5 students from our feeder schools (June/July each year)

RESOURCES

  • Apps – AppleLink
  • Links – Maths Watch
    • Username: first two letters of first name & surname @applemore (e.g. Joe Bloggs would have jobloggs@applemore)
    • Password: Applemore

GCSE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Students will be entered to gain the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) qualification.

The course is assessed by examination at the end of Year 11. This comprises of 3 examinations:

  • Paper 1: Non Calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • Paper 2: Calculator Allowed (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • Paper 3: Calculator Allowed (1 hour 30 minutes)

Students are entered at either the Higher Tier (where they can access Grades 4-9) or Foundation Tier (where they can access Grades 1-5). We will work together with you and your child to decide upon the most appropriate tier of entry for your child.

LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN FURTHER MATHEMATICS

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (8365) is a unique qualification designed to stretch and challenge high achieving mathematicians who are expected to achieve the top grades in GCSE Mathematics and are likely to progress to study A-level Mathematics and possibly Further Mathematics. High-achieving students are introduced to AS topics that will help them develop skills in algebra, geometry, calculus, matrices, trigonometry, functions and graphs.
Overview of Course Content
The course covers the following six areas of study:
1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Coordinate Geometry
4. Calculus
5. Matrix Transformations
6. Geometry

FURTHER MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

The course is assessed by examination at the end of Year 11. There will be two equally weighted examination papers:
– Paper 1: Non Calculator (1 hour 45 minutes)
– Paper 2: Calculator Allowed (1 hour 45 minutes)
The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics qualification is graded on a grade scale of 5 to 9.

Key Stage 3

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9 (FOUNDATION TIER)

YEAR 9 (HIGHER TIER)

Key Stage 4

YEAR 10 (FOUNDATION TIER)

YEAR 10 (HIGHER TIER)

YEAR 11

In Year 11, teachers plan a bespoke learning journey for their classes, incorporating new topics, revision of previous content and past paper practice.

FURTHER EDUCATION

A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics
A levels in other related subject areas:

Biology/Chemistry/Physics
Business, Economics, Engineering
Computer Science etc.

CAREER AND PROGRESSION

Careers in accountancy/finance/banking
Actuarial careers
Statistician careers
Careers in academia and research
Engineering
Meteorology
Teaching