Maths
Mathematics
Why study Maths?
Mathematics is imperative because it is the most widely used subject in the world. Every career uses some sort of mathematics. More importantly, doing math helps the mind to reason and organized complicated situations or problems into clear, simple, and logical steps. However, within the mathematics department we strive to make mathematics enjoyable and differentiated so that everyone can access it.
A few examples of careers for people with a mathematics degree include Engineering, Civil Servant, Software development and working in the Finance industry.
Course Overview
We are currently teaching from the Collins Framework. This covers Algebra, Handling Data, Number and Shape, Space and Measure. It also entails functional skills topics which will assist students when then start Key Stage 4. Students also have the opportunity to complete projects such as Money Sense, Financial Capability and Statistics.
Students start their two year Edexcel Linear GCSE mathematics course in Senior 1. This course covers Algebra, Handling Data, Number and Shape, Space and Measure. Due to changes in the syllabus from 2010 onwards this GCSE includes functional skills and written quality communication. Students sit their GCSE at the end of Senior 2 and a number of Senior 3 students are offered the chance to resit their GCSE to improve their grade and to complete other courses such as GCSE Profiency in Number Level 1 and 2. Other students who have reached grade A/A* start to prepare for A-Levels and International Baccalaureate.
Further Study
Students have two paths within mathematics; either A-level mathematics or mathematics within the International Baccalaureate.
A-level mathematics course includes:
Core 1
Algebra and functions; co-ordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation and integration
Core 2
Algebra and functions; co-ordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration
Core 3
Algebra and fubctions; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; numerical methods
Core 4
Algebra and functions; co-ordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequence and series; differentiation; intergration; vectors
Statistics 1
Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary of data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables; discrete distributions and normal distribution
Mechanics 1
Mathematical models in mechanics; vectors in mechanics; kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; statics of a particle; moments
International Baccalaureate - This includes three courses; mathematics higher level, mathematics standard level and matematical studies standard level:
IB Mathematics Higher Level Syllabus Outline
The Mathematics Higher Level (HL) prigramme consists of 7 core topics and 1 option
| Core | ||
| Section | Title | Examined |
| 1 | Algebra | P1 & P2 |
| 2 | Functions and Equations | P1 & P2 |
| 3 | Circular Functions and Trigonometry | P1 & P2 |
| 4 | Matrices | P1 & P2 |
| 5 | Vectors | P1 & P2 |
| 6 | Statistics and Probability | P1 & P2 |
| 7 | Calculus | P1 & P2 |
| Option | ||
| 8 | Statistics and Probability | P3 |
| Sets, relations and groups | P3 | |
| Series and differential equations | P3 | |
| Discrete Mathematics | P3 | |
| 9 | Minimum of two tasks | Portfolio |
| Marks | ||
| External Assessment (80%) |
Paper 1: 2 hours: 30%: Non Calculator Section A: Short questions examining the CORE (15% of marks) Section B: Extended response questions questioning the CORE (15% of marks) Paper 2: 2 hours: 30%: Calculator allowed (GDC required) Section A: Short questions examining the CORE 15% of marks) Section B: Extended response questions questioning the CORE (15% of marks) Paper 3: 1 hour: 20% Extended response questions examining mainly the syllabus option |
|
| Internal Assessment (20%) |
Portfolio: 10 hours: 20% (a) Mathematical investigation (b) Mathematical modeling |
IB Mathematics Standard Level Syllabus Outline
The Mathematics Standard Level (SL) programme consists of 7 core topics.
| Core | ||
| Section | Title | Examined |
| 1 | Algebra | P1 & P2 |
| 2 | Functions and Equations | P1 & P2 |
| 3 | Circular Functions and Trigonometry | P1 & P2 |
| 4 | Matrices | P1 & P2 |
| 5 | Vectors | P1 & P2 |
| 6 | Statistics and Probability | P1 & P2 |
| 7 | Calculus | P1 & P2 |
| 8 | Minimum of 2 tasks | Portfolio |
| Marks | ||
| External Assessment (80%) |
Paper 1: 2 hours: 40%: Non calculator Section A: Short questions examining the CORE (20% of marks) Section B: Ectended response questions questioning the CORE (20% of marks) Paper 2 : 2 hours: 40%: Calculator allowed (GDC required) Section A: Short questions examining the CORE (20% of marks) Section B: Extended response questions questioning the CORE (20% of marks) |
|
| Internal Assessment (20%) |
Portfolio: 10 hours: 20% (a) Mathematical investigation (b) Mathematical modelling |
IB Mathematics Mathematical Studies Syllabus Outline
Topics studied within the Mathematical Studies course are as described in the IB syllabus overview, and are listed below with timings for Standard Level (SL)
Topic 1 – Introduction to the graphic display calculator 3 hours
Topic 2 – Number and algebra 14 hours
Topic 3 – Sets, logic and probability 20 hours
Topic 4 – Functions 24 hours
Topic 5 – Geometry and trigonometry 20 hours
Topic 6 – Statistics 24 hours
Topic 7 – Introductory differential calculus 15 hours
Topic 8 – Financial mathematics 10 hours
Project 20 hours
Internal (20 %)
The students will complete a project that is an individual piece of work involving the generation of measurements or the collection of information, and the analysis and evaluations of the measurements or information. The project is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO using assessment criteria that relate to the objectives for group 5 mathematics.
External (80%)
Assessment through formal examination is aimed at evaluating a learners’ progress in method, accuracy and reasoning: Paper 1 (1hr 30 mins) – consists of 15 compulsory short response questions; paper is worth 90 marks, representing 40% of final mark.Knowledge of all topics is required however not all topics are necessarily assessed. Paper 2 (1 hr 30 mins) – consists of 5 compulsory extended-response questions; paper is worth 90 marks, representing 40% of final mark.
Knowledge of all topics is required however not all topics are necessarily assessed. Individual questions may require knowledge of more than one topic.
Useful links for Maths development
