Mathematics
The aim of the Mathematics Faculty is to ensure that all students achieve their potential in this core subject, equipping them with the skills required for modern adult life.
The faculty consists of a team of enthusiastic and committed members of staff. We are able to support each other closely and enjoy the opportunities offered to discuss and share good practice amongst the team whether informally or more formally during faculty meetings or Inset. The team are extremely proud of the performance of students in public examinations across all key stages. The curriculum is delivered in a range of different teaching styles but the Mathematics curriculum is chiefly taught via teacher-led discussion. Practical work, investigational work and the use of ICT is encouraged.
We are a NCSL National Support School, this means we are supporting the Maths Faculty in a local school which failed Ofsted.
Teaching and Learning
The faculty operates a setting arrangement for the delivery of Mathematics at both KS3 and 4. Students entering Year 7 are immediately placed in groups according to their ability level making use of information regarding KS2 performance.
Years 8 to 11 are also taught in setted groups ensuring appropriate pace and challenge for all abilities. Setting arrangements are constantly reviewed with student progress the chief concern.
The KS3 curriculum has been produced collaboratively in line with the National Framework and schemes of work have been created ensuring all students undertake work designed to prove accessible but challenging.
GCSE students follow the AQA Modular Mathematics GCSE. Our Year 9 students begin this allowing them to confidently tackle the first examination in November of Year 10. Our top set Year 10 mathematicians also undertook GCSE Statistics and achieved a 100% pass rate last year. The Study Plus initiative supports the work of selected students in Years 10 and 11.
A-Level Mathematics is an increasingly popular course at Oldfield. A growing number of students follow the Edexcel course. Modules are currently offered in Core Mathematics and Decision Mathematics.
Students are assessed throughout all key stages and key test results are held centrally. These are used to track students’ progress towards their targets. All students are aware of these targets and our comment-based marking policy is intended to provide them with guidance regarding how to achieve those levels/grades.
Accommodation and Resources
Each specialist teacher in the faculty has their own teaching room. These are based in the main school building and are suited together. Each classroom has its own computer and printer and all classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard and projector. The school network, internet and e-mail can be accessed from all classrooms.
The Faculty has a class set of laptop computers for use in the Maths classroom. There are four fully equipped ICT suites sited very close to the Mathematics classrooms. These are maintained by two ICT technicians and are easily available via a booking system. Computer packages used include Autograph and Whiteboard Worksheets. The faculty possess a class set of graphical calculators which are used to support learning across all key stages. There is a sixth form study area within the faculty to assist the work of our A-Level students.
The Department
Heather Walsh - |
Acting Head of Faculty A-Level – Core Mathematics |
|
Nicola Breaks - |
Teacher of Mathematics (NQT) (KS3/4) |
|
Nick Brooking - |
Teacher of Mathematics (KS3) |
|
Louise Crowthers - |
Head of Lower School, Lead Teacher of Mathematics, A-Level – Core Mathematics |
|
Jacqueline Durston - |
TemporaryTeacher of Mathematics (NQT) (KS3/4) |
|
Lynda Holloway - |
Teacher of Mathematics |
|
Andrew Hunt - |
Teacher of Mathematics |
|
Marisa Monaghan - |
Teacher of Mathematics (KS3/4) |
Examination Results 2009
KS3 SATS |
Below Level 4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
L5+ |
L6+ |
% of students |
8 |
8 |
18 |
30 |
32 |
8 |
88 |
70 |
GCSE Mathematics |
A* |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
U |
% of students |
14 |
17 |
15 |
32 |
11 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
GCSE Statistics |
A* |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
U |
% of students |
11 |
30 |
44 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
A-Level Mathematics |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
U |
No. of students |
6 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
