| Maths |
|
|
|
|
At The King's School, Mathematics does not just consist of working through text books from exercise to exercise. Such a view of Mathematics is very limiting and does not inspire one to be enthusiastic about the subject. For instance, did you know that the honeycomb that a bee produces is a Mathematical shape and can be explained using Mathematical theory? It can be reproduced on paper by the Mathematical principle of tessellating. The Parthenon built on the Acropolis is built by the Ancient Greeks using a complex mathematical principle since discovered called the golden ratio. At The King’s School, we believe that Mathematics is not a new concept that has recently been discovered but was a concept in the very mind of God since the beginning of creation. You only have to do a little investigation into nature to see how God has used the concept of number in the great design of all that there is. Not only do we take these things into account when teaching Mathematics but we also look and relate this to see how Mathematics is used in every day situations today. This motivates and inspires our pupils to see why our great God designed the concept of Mathematics and enables them to see how it is used in today’s modern world.
Key Stage 3 Mathematics In Years 7, 8 and 9, pupils follow the National Strategy. Mathematics is a core subject for all Key Stage 3 and covers the following areas over the three years. Each topic may be covered more than once but at a greater depth each time preparing them for GCSE which commences around May of Year 9. The pupils are regularly tested enabling them to have immediate feedback on their performance and level. Home work is compulsory and forms a weekly part of the curriculum. Whilst SATS do not form part of the curriculum, the pupils are prepared for them and given a mock SAT in April of Year 9. Pupils will be taught from levels 5 to 8 over the three years.
From September 2008, we are also beginning to prepare Year 7 pupils for the functional mathematics examination which will commence in 2012 for GCSE candidates.
GCSE Syllabus: AQA Specification B This is a core subject offered at foundation or higher level. The foundation level course accesses grades C to G whilst the higher level course accesses grades A* to D. The pupils sit three modular tests over the course of two years which count towards their GCSE examination. Once again, homework forms a vital part of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to complete homework on a weekly basis.
Entry Level Mathematics Entry level certificate is targeted at pupils who are working at a level below G grade GCSE. It is assessed during Year 11 through four in-lesson tests and one terminal paper of 40 minutes duration. Each part is worth 20%.
|