Maths/Further Maths

Mathematics is compulsory at Key Stages 3 and 4 whilst large numbers of students continue their studies in Key Stage 5 and beyond. Students are carefully prepared for the next stages of their learning journeys as teaching aims to develop curiosity and awareness of mathematics and the wider world.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

The Key Stage 3 curriculum has at its heart the need to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and tools to solve mathematical problems and to prepare students for later mathematical concepts and problems. A fast-pace of work is encouraged with appropriately levelled extension and challenge material given to students where appropriate.

Areas of study include: 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11 GCSE)

All students are examined in Mathematics, studying the Edexcel 9-1 syllabus. All students sit the Higher Tier paper which awards grades from 3-9. Students sit three papers in total with calculators permitted for papers 2 and 3. Much time is given to students for reflection and practice within their learning to develop their resilience and understanding and to prepare them for the rigours of the course and further mathematical study if desired.

Topic areas studied: 

• Number 
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change 
• Geometry and measures 
• Probability

GCSE Mathematics specification

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level) - Mathematics

Students are required to have gained at least a grade 8 in Mathematics GCSE to be eligible to take this course at A Level

Students study the MEI A Level Mathematics course.

At Challoner’s, Maths has long been the most popular subject in the Sixth Form with over three quarters of the students choosing the subject in recent years; of these a large number are inspired by their experience to continue the study of Maths at university.

Maths is also a natural partner for many subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Electronics and Economics to name but a few; however, many students with a predominantly Arts background also choose to study Maths because of its value, its ability to develop students’ thinking skills and for sheer enjoyment. Many of our best mathematicians have been excellent linguists, musicians, historians and geographers.

The Maths A Level is based around the following 3 strands: 

• Pure Maths - This is the study of fundamental mathematical techniques and ideas including the study of algebra, calculus, number and mathematical ideas such as proof. These can be used as tools in their own right or for practical application. It is also an essential tool in many scientific disciplines
• Mechanics - This is the mathematical study of the forces of motion. Topics studied include Newton’s Laws of Motion, projectiles, vectors and kinematics – which are the foundations for much of engineering and physics
• Statistics – This looks at the analysis of data and probability. This is a vital area of study in today’s world where so many decisions are based upon mathematical information and assessing risk.

A Level Mathematics Specification 

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level) - Further Mathematics

Students are required to have gained at a grade 9 in Mathematics GCSE to be eligible to take this course at A Level

Students follow the MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry) course (www.mei.org.uk), administered by the OCR exam board (www.ocr.org.uk). The new Further Maths A level is linear in nature and involves approximately 6 hours of examinations, all taken at the end of Year 13 (in addition to 6 hours of examinations for A Level Maths). 

While an A level in Mathematics equips students with basic techniques that are used in degree courses in a wide range of subjects, there are some subjects where a deeper knowledge of Mathematics is essential. The mathematics used by engineers, economists, physicists and computer scientists includes topics such as differential equations, complex numbers, matrices, group theory, networks, linear programming, mechanics, statistics, probability and numerical methods for solving equations. Many of these topics are introduced in the Further Mathematics course.

During the course students gain exposure to a far wider range of mathematical ideas than is possible in a single Mathematics qualification. They also are challenged to deepen their understanding of the fundamental concepts of the subject. Mathematically able students, those who intend to study highly numerate subjects at university and those deeply interested in Mathematics would be strongly advised to consider Further Mathematics at A level. Teachers of the subject at Challoner’s so often hear comments like "I'm really glad I did Further Mathematics", from those who have gone on to read for degrees in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Economics and the many forms of Engineering. At very high ranking universities, many, if not most, students doing these subjects will have studied Further Mathematics and it is, in effect, a requirement for some courses .

Areas of study include: 

• Pure Maths: Roots of Equations, Vectors, Matrices, Series and Induction, Further Calculus, Polar Coordinates, Maclaurin Series, Hyperbolic Functions, Applications of Integration, Differential Equations, Complex Numbers
• Mechanics: Kinematics, Forces and Motion, Friction, Moments, Energy, Impulse and Momentum, Centres of Mass, Motion under a Variable Force, Circular Motion, Hooke’s Law, Modelling Oscillations, Oblique Impact
• Statistics: Discrete Random Variables, Discrete Probability Distributions, Bivariate Data including Regression, Chi-squared Tests

A Level Further Mathematics Specification

Co-curricular activities

These include

• National Maths Challenges
• National Maths Olympiads
• Extension Maths Lessons (eg to support those applying for Maths and similar subjects at highly competitive universities)
• Regular weekly drop in sessions for all students seeking additional help 
• Clubs/gatherings run by students for students
• House maths competitions