Mathematics at Castledown - Key Stage 3

The aim of the course

We wish to provide experiences at a level and pace appropriate to individual student needs, so that confidence and success are reinforced during mathematics lessons and across the curriculum. Students should become self-sufficient mathematicians and competent problem solvers. We wish to give students an overview of the place of mathematics in the wider world.
We also aim to equip KS3 students with the knowledge and skills need to become successful mathematicians at KS4.

Course Content

All students will follow a three year course based on the National Numeracy Strategy and will lead to the SATs in Year 9. The course is split into four main areas
• Using and Applying Mathematics
• Number and Algebra
• Shape, Space and Measures
• Handling Data

Examinations

There are two 1 hour papers at each tier of entry – each paper is worth 40%.
There is also a mental arithmetic test on CD consisting of 30 questions worth 20% of the final mark.

Towards the end of Year 8 all students will sit Optional SATs and these will give us valuable information as to progress of students. In addition the students are required to sit three formal assessments a year and these are recorded and reported on.

Tiers of Entry

There are four levels of entry:
Levels 3 – 5
Levels 4 – 6
Levels 5 – 7
and Levels 6 – 8+.

The level of entry will be chosen by the teacher according to the student’s ability. Under very exceptional circumstances a student may be disapplied from the SATs.
Parents often ask how they can help their children with their mathematics. The best way to help is to encourage them to “do maths” because this is the best way to learn. There are various helpful websites (e.g. BBC Bitesize, http://www.Mymaths.co.uk) which can be advantageous to students, if supervised.

Mathematics at Castledown - Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Examination Board: Edexcel

Course Length: 2 years

Contact: Mr R J Smith, Head of Mathematics

The Aim of the Course

We wish to provide experiences at a level and pace appropriate to individual student needs, so that confidence and success are reinforced during Mathematics lessons and across the curriculum. Students should become self-sufficient mathematicians and competent problem solvers. We also wish to give students an overview of the place of mathematics in the wider world.

Course Content

All students will follow the two year Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Linear course, except those very few students for whom GCSE is too difficult. These students will follow a non-GCSE accredited scheme.

Assessment

Coursework - from 2009 there are NO coursework requirements in Mathematics. Some of the skills previously assessed in coursework will be assessed in the examinations.

Examinations

The are two examinations at each tier of entry – each paper is worth 50%

Overall Examination: 100% (No coursework)

Tiers of Entry

Decisions regarding tiers of entry do not need to be made finally until the Spring Term of Year 11. Students will be selected for one of two tiers of entry:

• Foundation: Grades G-C
• Higher: Grades D-A*

Extra Curricular Activities

A clinic for Year 11 will run every Wednesday from 2.55 pm until 4.00 pm and the object is to help students with any topics that may be causing them concern. Students should come to the clinic with their own concerns which will be addressed there and then.

Career Paths