Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Birmingham - Maths
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest. It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.
The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Bishop Challoner Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils enjoyment of mathematics.
Objectives
At the end of his/her mathematical education in this school, each pupilwill be
- To perform basic numeracy skills
- To perform the basic mathematical skills needed in his/her chosen career or for entry to higher or further mathematical education
- To understand the mathematics likely to be encountered in daily adult life
- To reason clearly and logically, and to set out a rational argument
- To identify patterns encountered in diverse situations and to extrapolate from these
- To approach problems systematically, choosing appropriate techniques for their solution
- To follow logical instructions clearly expressed
- To experience satisfaction in and enjoyment of his/her mathematical achievements
- To obtain any formal mathematical qualifications needed for his/her chosen career
- To obtain his/her best possible results at KS3, KS4, AS/A Level & other Sixth Form courses.
In addition, we hope that pupils will acquire the logical abilities characteristic of a mathematician.
In Year 7 students are set in similar ability groups and follow the Kangaroo Maths scheme of work. This scheme allows students to study work that is appropriate to their national curriculum level on intake and this eases the transition from primary school to secondary school. We challenge students to make two level progress across this key stage and students are supported along the way through accurate assessment to establish areas of maths they can improve on.
As well as developing subject specific skills, students are encouraged to describe and explain how they solve problems helping to develop their literacy skills.
Our schemes of work ensure that our teaching staff use a variety of real-life, functional tasks preparing students for the working world!
At Bishop Challoner Catholic College, there is a true focus on making sure that our students achieve the best possible results at GCSE, whilst providing our students with key skills such as problem solving and logical thinking. Through the hard work of our students and staff, we achieved a phenomenal 75% A*-C GCSE grades in 2009, and this success is set to continue.
Course Structure
At Bishop Challoner Catholic College, students follow either the OCR Graduated Assessment GCSE course or the EdExcel Modular GCSE course, personalising learning according to their needs.
The OCR Graduated Assessment GCSE course consists of 2 examination modules (both worth 25% of the final grade) and a terminal examination (worth 50% of the final grade).
The EdExcel GCSE course consists of 3 examination modules; the first in Data Handling and the second and third in Number and Algebra/Shape, Space and Measures (each worth 20%, 30% and 50% respectively).
There is no coursework element in either of these specifications.
For more details go to:
www.ocr.org.uk or http://www.edexcel.org.uk
Our GCSE students study two different syllabuses. Some study the OCR Graduated Assessment course and some follow the Edexcel modular route. Our VLE provides students with a wealth of resources to help them obtain the best possible GCSE grade. Students are set on ability to ensure the groups can move at the same speed. Study sessions help students prepare for exams and all our GCSE pupils have full access to past paper materials.
Our A-level mathematics programme continues to grow from strength to strength. All students are taught by expert maths teachers who have an outstanding level of subject knowledge. This year over sixty students are studying A-level maths. Students are able to study a variety of different areas of maths including, number, algebra, trigonometry, analysis, statistics, mechanics and decision maths. With the flexibility of courses offered, students can begin to specialise in their main areas of interest preparing them for higher education.
- Key Stage 3 Masterclasses
Pupils identified as being amongst the most able of their Year group in terms of
their mathematical ability attend extra-curricular classes aimed at enriching and furthering their understanding of mathematics. As part of these sessions they focus on some of the UK Maths Challenge papers and also the World Class Test material in a fun environment. These materials stretch students enhancing their problem solving skills, as well as applying teamwork and communication skills that are required to be successful, all of which prepares them for the inter-school competitions.
- Maths Drop-in Centre
The MyMaths drop-in centre is new to Bishop Challoner this year. It is place for pupils in any year group to come and work with Maths outside the classroom in an environment that is relaxed and supportive. Primarily it provides one-to-one support to those pupils completing their Maths Homework online but all pupils are welcomed to these sessions and encouraged to explore Maths interactively, asking for teachers help as or when it is needed. To date these sessions have received much positive feedback and high attendance records support its success.
- Key Stage 4 Study Support Sessions
As our Key Stage 4 students approach their GCSE maths examination, we offer support and expert advice on exam technique to help prepare our students as best we can for their examination. Attendance at these sessions is outstanding and reflects the excellent working relationships between students and staff.
- Key Stage 5 Study Support Sessions and Further Mathematics
We also run study support sessions for our A-level mathematicians offering expert advice from highly qualified staff. As an extra-curricular opportunity we offer Further Mathematics AS to the most able of our A-level Mathematicians.
- Maths Challenges
We also offer the opportunity for students to enter the Junior, Intermediate and Senior maths challenges offered by the United Kingdom Maths Trust. For more information go to http://www.ukmt.org.uk/.
Taking maths beyond the classroom our enrichment programme allows students to apply their mathematical problem solving skills to real-life situations. As well as having fun we build on the knowledge they have gained in lessons as they undertake a variety of challenging and enjoyable group tasks.
- Lickey Hills Project
Year 8 and 9 adventure to the nearby Licky Hills in the Summer term to solve a series of problems whilst soaking in the Summer sunshine!
- Maths Study Tour Paris
This annual Maths trip to Paris and Disneyland takes place in July every year. Year 8 students embark on what is a remarkable experience that has a cross-curricular dimension with Modern Foreign Languages. The students complete a Maths study course which is specifically designed to complement this trip. The itinerary includes a visit to La Villette Science and Industry Park, which has a section devoted to Mathematics. There are also opportunities for students to experience some of the cultural aspects of France, including an evening tour of Paris and a River Seine cruise. A visit to Disneyland Paris provides the perfect recreation before the return journey to the UK.