Galileo stated that Mathematics is the language of the
universe. Physicists need that language to “read” matter and energy. Musicians need it to “read”
rhythm and harmony. As pupils progress through Colfe’s School we in the Maths Department help them
to deepen their understanding of that language.
We aim to use a variety of teaching styles and
activities to ensure that, year on year, Colfe’s pupils become better mathematicians. Maths is
taught in classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, and when appropriate we make use of the
department ICT suite or one of the school’s dedicated ICT rooms.
Although we don’t teach Maths purely so our pupils can
pass exams, Colfe’s mathematicians have been extremely successful in recent years. In 2005 94% of
our A level candidates achieved a grade A or B and over the last five years on average 99% of GCSE
candidates have achieved a C or better.
There is also a strong emphasis on the challenging
aspects of the subject. Each year we enter competitions run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT). These Challenges, at Junior, Intermediate and Senior
Level, as well as the Team Challenge, provide an opportunity for pupils to compete against children
from all over the country. They also provide healthy competition within the school as our pupils
vie for the coveted gold certificates. Years 9, 10 and 11 took the Intermediate Challenge in
February 2006 and results will be posted on this page as they become available.
Suggested titles for wider reading
Years 7 - 11
Horrible Maths series
Sixth Form
Does God play
dice?
Ian Stewart
Nature’s
numbers Ian
Stewart
Chaos
James Gleick
A beautiful
mind Sylvia
Nasar
