Mathematics

Subject Leader - Mr J McKenzie

email: jamesmckenzie@pleckgate.blackburn.sch.uk

Key Stage 3:

Years 7, 8 and 9 are taught in two populations each with five sets. The Mathematics Enhancement Project (MEP) is used and its philosophy and resources provide a basis for the KS3 scheme of work. New resources have been purchased for the delivery of the revised National Curriculum in Year 7. There is an emphasis on whole class interactive teaching. Pupils' learning is assessed every half term and there are end of year examinations for Years 7 & 8. In the May of Year 9 pupils sit the Key Stage 3 National Tests. Extra lessons are offered at lunchtimes for pupils in Years 7 & 8 who need extra support with their mathematics. Year 9 are offered the chance to attend Booster classes after school in preparation for their Key Stage 3 tests. The results at Key Stage 3 have consistently been above national averages.

Key Stage 4:

Pupils in Years 10 & 11 follow the new two tier Edexcel syllabus at Higher or Foundation level. Those pupils who demonstrate the potential to study A level mathematics follow the linear examination route and other pupils sit modular examinations. There are ten sets in Years 10 & 11 so that teaching can be tailored to the needs of individual pupils. This structure is flexible and the setting is reviewed frequently.

Pupils are assessed half termly. Modular external examinations take place in March in year 10 and November and June in Year 11. All linear examinations take place in June in Year 11. There are internal examinations at the end of Year 10 and mock examinations in December in Year 11.

GCSE Statistics is also offered as an 'option choice'. This allows some pupils to gain an additional mathematical qualification and the subject has proved to be very popular with pupils.

Again, results at Key Stage 4 have been excellent with the 2007 cohort achieving 21 A*s in mathematics and 19 A*s in Statistics.