Mathematics is an exciting, stimulating and enjoyable subject. At Wilsthorpe we strive to make this crucial yet challenging area of the curriculum accessible and relevant to all of our students. We have an enthusiastic team of Mathematics teachers, who love their subject and want everyone else to do the same.
We are also committed to developing our curriculum not only to incorporate current changes to the GCSE, but also to embrace different teaching methods and current thoughts on mathematical pedagogy.
We ensure that an appropriate level of the curriculum can be accessed by all. All students in KS3 follow a ‘mastery’ curriculum. This means acquiring an in-depth knowledge of one topic before moving onto the next. For example, we will begin year 7 by studying a unit incorporating skills relating to addition and subtraction.
All students will concentrate on becoming confident (or mastering) these essential skills and then will apply them to some or all of several other related topics in Mathematics such as calculating perimeters or simplifying algebra.
Students are expected to consolidate work done in class by completing homework which is regularly set.
Students are taught in groups matched to their ability throughout Key Stage 4. Homework is regularly set to consolidate work completed in class.
Mathematics 9-1 (OCR J560). GCSE Mathematics has two tiers of entry, assessed by 3 x 90-minute exam papers (one of which does not allow the use of a calculator).
All students will have to recall and use trigonometry for right-angled triangles and they will not have a page of formulae at the beginning of the booklet.
Mathematics is an amazing subject to take at A-level if you’re prepared to work hard. An experienced team of successful teachers will lead you through a journey that begins by reinforcing and then extending existing knowledge from GCSE. Topics such as Calculus, radians and equations of regression lines are all covered in the AS course for Mathematics. In Further Mathematics, we discover imaginary numbers, learn about proof and discover how to mathematically model real-life situations in Mechanics.
Mathematics (OCR AS/A-Level H230/H240)
AS level: Assessment is entirely by 2 x 2 hour written external examinations
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics and Statistics (50%)
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (50%)
A level: Assessment is entirely 3 x 2 hour written external examinations
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (33⅓%)
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics (33⅓%)
Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (33⅓%)
Further Mathematics (OCR AS/A-Level H235/H245)
AS level: Assessment is entirely by 3 x 75 minute written external examinations
Pure Core (33⅓%) – compulsory Plus two of:
Mechanics (33⅓%)
Discrete (33⅓%)
Statistics (33⅓%)
A level: Assessment is entirely 4 x 1½ hour written external examinations
Pure Core 1 (25%) – compulsory
Pure Core 2 (25%) – compulsory Plus two of
Mechanics (25%)
Discrete (25%)
Statistics (25%)
