Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realized. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics has a key role to play in the school curriculum. The subject itself teaches the students to think independently and logically and to apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations Mathematics is also vital to many other subjects: the whole school issue of numeracy across the curriculum is important and leads to the development, strengthening and transfer of mathematical skills between subjects.
Here at Cobham Hall, we place an emphasis on developing students’ confidence and capacity as problem-solvers. This is done through engaging and interactive lessons where all are encouraged to participate. We provide opportunities for the more able students to compete in national competitions, such as the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme’s ‘Maths Feast’ and ‘Junior Maths Challenge’. We also create opportunities for fun through our annual Pi Day celebrations and The Maths Problem of the Week. We work in close conjunction with the Student Support Department, providing bespoke support to students who find Mathematics exceptionally challenging and require more specialized interventions.
Years 7, 8 and 9
Students in each Year Group are currently split into two groups based on prior attainment. Performance is reviewed half-termly and students are moved between sets if appropriate. Similar schemes of work are followed by both sets to ensure that any change of set for a student is as smooth as possible. The areas of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Ratio and Proportion are fully covered. Due to the increased demand for the reformed GCSE course, Year 9 begin coverage of the GCSE syllabus as part of a 3-year preparation. Set A are prepared for entry to the Higher level tier and Set B for the Foundation level. However, movement between the sets is still considered each half term.
Years 10 and 11: GCSE
Normally students are placed into one of three sets; this helps to keep the class sizes low at this crucial stage in their Mathematics education. The students are given extensive individualized support as their examinations approach to help prepare them and develop their examination techniques. The students are entered for either the Higher or Foundation paper, and this decision is made carefully to ensure students have the best possible outcomes in GCSEs.
Years 12 and 13: A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Mathematics seeks an understanding of patterns and structures, demanding the application of logic, creativity and rigour. It is both a system of skills used to perform calculations, devise proofs and so on, and a system of knowledge relating to number, shape and abstract concepts. These are explored in depth in the A Level course, where we are always making links to the world around us.
Students must study Mathematics if they wish to study Further Mathematics, as it is a continuation of the A Level Mathematics course in which new topics and modules, as well as previous topics are studied to a greater depth.
