Mathematics

Overview

Mr T. Smailowski - Head of Mathematics

Mathematics concerns the analysis of pattern and structure. It is a discipline based on logic, reasoning and the ability to express ideas in a concise and elegant way. 

At best, it does not require anything more than a pencil, paper and an inquisitive mind; many people take satisfaction from the eventual resolution of a difficult and demanding problem. 

Some people are motivated to study mathematics by its applications to everyday life; others are attracted simply by the elegance and coherence of the subject. 

We employ ‘teaching for mastery’, which aims for pupils to develop deep understanding of maths rather than being able to memorise key procedures or resort to rote learning.
  
At KS3, students follow the national mathematics programme of study and are taught in their un-streamed forms. Opportunities to develop mathematical skills beyond the standard curriculum are embraced through mathematical investigations and participation in national mathematics competitions and challenges. The school has a proud and highly successful record in producing mathematicians of a national standard. 

At KS4, students are recombined into 5 tutor groups and are taught maths in these groups in Year 9. Stretch and challenge is introduced as students learn concepts from the additional qualifications mentioned below.  

At the start of Year 10, students are placed in one of five sets as bulleted below.  Some students may move between sets over the course of Year 10 based on assessment data and teacher advice.  

• One set completes Edexcel Higher Tier GCSE course MA1A and the OCR Level 3 Free Standing Maths Qualification. The class is anticipated to be entered for the qualification, provided this would not compromise their outcomes in GCSE Maths and other subjects.  
• Two parallel sets complete Edexcel Higher Tier GCSE course MA1A and the AQA Level 2 GCSE in Further Maths. The classes are anticipated to be entered for the qualification, provided this would not compromise their outcomes in GCSE Maths and other subjects. 
• Two parallel sets complete Edexcel Higher Tier GCSE course MA1A. Their studies will be supplemented considerably by enrichment material drawn from the syllabus content of the AQA Level 2 GCSE in Further Maths. 

Regardless of the courses undertaken at KS4, all students are free to choose from the full range of options in the Sixth Form. 

At KS5 there is an extremely high take-up of OCR(B) MEI A Level Mathematics. Many Sixth Form students opt to study Mathematics and OCR(B) MEI A Level Further Mathematics (Year 1 content) in Year 12, with the majority of those students continuing to A Level Further Maths in Year 13. These are delivered in parallel, both as two-year courses.  

Many students leave St. Olave’s to pursue their mathematical studies at the major universities, including several students, most years, taking up places to read mathematics at either Oxford or Cambridge.  

Mathematics Curriculum Summaries

Assessment Process

Assessment and Feedback Process - Years 7 - 13

Wider reading suggestions for our Mathematics students

KS3, KS4, KS5  Mathematics reading suggestions