Students are set on the basis of ability across 5 or 6 sets. The sets are banded and the students complete a two year course which covers programmes of study identified in the National Curriculum,tailored to their level of ability. The key foci are Mathematical fluency,reasoning and problem solving.
The programmes of study cover the National Curriculum areas of number and algebra, shape, space and measures and handling data. Opportunities for using and applying mathematics are included in each of these areas. The content taught within each ability band does overlap somewhat,however the main focus is to ensure that the foundation of knowledge and skills is there to allow further progression in a student’s mathematical understanding.
We aim to inspire and enthuse pupils through the use of real-life examples and mathematical skills which are relevant to their lives while, at the same time, putting in place sound practice and logical approaches to be used throughout their education. Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches.
There are common banded assessments at the end of each half term, which cover the material taught during that half term. The annual banded assessments in both years of KS3 cover all the topics the student will have been taught.
Mathematics is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4, and is compulsory for all students at KS5 who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in Key Stage 4. All students will take the exam in GCSE Mathematics or will take the Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics. The syllabus covers the areas of Number and Ratio, Algebra, Geometry and Measure, and Statistics and Probability. It is the aim of the Mathematics department to prepare students for life, to improve their problem solving skills, and to extend their Mathematical knowledge. The way in which Mathematics is examined has changed, and all students will take the new syllabus and exam. For many years, GCSE Mathematics has been assessed with grades A*-G. The grades now used are 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest).
The course is taught and examined in two tiers, Foundation and Higher. There will be significant proportion of non-structured and problem solving questions in the exam which, for most students, represents an increase in difficulty from Key Stage 3.
The Mathematics GCSE will be assessed by three written papers at the end of Year 11. Each paper is one and a half hours and one of them is non-calculator. There is no coursework in GCSE Mathematics.
The Entry Level Certificate qualification is assessed by an exam and timed tasks in Year 11.
Most courses after GCSE require a grade 5 in Maths or above at GCSE.
The new GCSE exam will provide a good platform to study AS or A Level Mathematics. The very brightest students can study Further Mathematics A/AS Level. We are also investigating the possibility of a new Level 3 qualification for those students who want to take their Maths further but do not want to do a full A Level, and more details about this will appear soon.
Presently, students who don’t achieve grade 4 in Year 11 must continue with Maths at college. We expect that this policy will continue, with an increase in this threshold to grade 5 in the new system being the grade required for students to drop Maths after Key Stage 4. A good grade in GCSE Mathematics is widely valued by all employers as it tells them you are good at problem solving.
Examination Board: Edexcel
Bishops Way
Seacroft
Leeds
LS14 6NU
Tel: 0113 320 0582
Fax: 0113 273 4216
info@bishopyoungacademy.co.uk
Abbey Multi Academy Trust
c/o Chapter House
Abbey Grange Church of England Academy
Butcher Hill
Leeds
LS16 5EA
Registered Company Number: 07705552
