Mathematics
Mathematics
At St. Martin’s school we have 6 (full time) Mathematics teachers who are committed, enthusiastic and eager to develop new mathematical concepts and numerical skills that arise in our Area of Learning and Experience.
All Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils study Mathematics with an average of 7 timetabled lessons a fortnight. At Key Stage 5, AS and A-Level Mathematics is available to study. The Mathematics faculty follow the WJEC specifications for both GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Mathematics: Numeracy and A level Mathematics. The results of the faculty have improved significantly over several years and hopefully will continue to rise. The faculty is located on the top floor of the new building and is home to a variety of resources for the pupils to use from; mini whiteboards to a department set of iPads.
Mathematics & Numeracy
The development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself. A truly international discipline, it surrounds us and underpins so many aspects of our daily lives, such as architecture, art, music, money and engineering. And while it is creative and beautiful, both in its own right and in its applications, it is also essential for progress in other areas of learning and experience.
What is more, numeracy – the application of mathematics to solve problems in real-world contexts – plays a critical part in our everyday lives, and in the economic health of the nation. It is imperative, therefore, that mathematics and numeracy experiences are as engaging, exciting and accessible as possible for pupils, and that these experiences are geared towards ensuring that learners develop mathematical resilience.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8, pupils are taught in mixed-ability classes. Each class will be assessed termly on their mathematics and numeracy skills. Homework is given regularly to each class and assessed fully by the teacher, where feedback is given to encourage development of key skills. In Year 9, pupils will follow our tiered GCSE Scheme of Work. This is split into the three different tiers of assessment; Higher (A* – C), Intermediate (Grades B – E) and Foundation (Grades D – G). All pupils in Year 7, 8 & 9 will sit the (Wales) National Numeracy, Procedural and Reasoning, Tests. These assessments can be sat twice per academic year. Information is available from Welsh Government for parents/guardians by clicking here. Although the Numeracy (Procedural) assessment has now become adaptive and moved online, previous non-adaptive versions can be found online. Typical skills assessed can be seen and used for practice by clicking here.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4, pupils are set based on their prior attainment and are grouped according to the tier (Higher, Intermediate or Foundation) of GCSE examination that they will be entered for.
Year 10 and 11 pupils are also regularly assessed in order to monitor progress and ensure pupils are receiving the appropriate level of support.
GCSE classes follow the GCSE scheme of work. At the end of each unit of work pupils are given a homework to complete before sitting a test.
Throughout Year 10 and 11 pupils practise past papers for their external examinations and these papers will be analysed question-by-question in order to identify areas of both strength and development. Pupils will be directed to reflect and improve on areas for development.
We regularly extend our most able mathematicians with the opportunity to sit their GCSE examinations early.
By the end of Key Stage 4 pupils are examined for two separate GCSE qualifications; Mathematics and Mathematics: Numeracy.
GCSE Mathematics is our more traditional GCSE qualification. Past papers of which can be found by clicking here.
GCSE Mathematics: Numeracy is the newer GCSE qualification which places a higher emphasis on contextualised mathematics. Past papers of which can be found by clicking here.
Key Stage 5
In Key Stage 5, pupils can opt to study A-Level Mathematics.
A-Level Mathematics, is one of the most popular subjects studied post-16.
The WJEC AS and A-Level Mathematics specification can be found by clicking here.
Year 12 - AS Mathematics
- Unit 1 – Pure Mathematics A (25% of A level qualification / 62.5% of AS qualification – 120 marks)
- Unit 2 – Applied Mathematics A (15% of A level qualification / 37.5% of AS qualification – 75 marks)
- Section A: Statistics (40 marks)
- Section B: Mechanics (35 marks)
Year 13 – A2 Mathematics
- Unit 1 – Pure Mathematics B (35% of the qualification – 120 marks)
- Unit 2 – Applied Mathematics B (25% of the qualification – 80 marks)
- Section A: Statistics (40 marks)
- Section B: Differential Equations & Mechanics (40 marks)
Useful & Recommended resources
Hegarty Maths is the Mathematics faculties online independent home learning platform of choice.
The platform contains explanatory videos, self-marking quizzes and allows teachers to leave feedback on pupils’ work.
This website is subscribed to by the school and as such requires individual logins. To login to Hegarty Maths, pupils need their school name, name (as it appears on the school register), date of birth and a password that they have set themselves. Teachers are able to reset passwords when requested to do so by pupils themselves directly through the login process.
A free website that shares WJEC GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Mathematics: Numeracy, Additional Mathematics & A-Level Mathematics past papers, mark schemes and past paper solutions.
The website also contains topic booklets, resources and tips, to help with your exam preparation and revision.