Mathematics
Mr A Guy MEng (Hons)
Head of Mathematics
aguy@colfes.com
Mathematics is the keystone to the modern technological world in which we live. It enables us to understand our physical environment through sophisticated modelling techniques and is the ultimate language of strategical reasoning. Its veracious nature spans many other fields including economics, logistics, computer science and artificial intelligence.
Pupils in Year 7 combine recapping basic numeracy with investigation tasks and problem solving is our core focus throughout the school. Setting of students in mathematics does not happen until after the first term of Year 7 is complete. This allows efficient and effective teaching and learning in Algebra, Number, Shape and Data, in an environment which is geared to each individual.
Assessment in all years is regular and short, in conjunction with three major examinations throughout each year. We host many weekly clubs – some specialist for year groups where pupils may seek support and assistance and ask any questions.
Mathematics has to be rigorous, but it must be fun too. We enter all pupils into individual UKMT Maths Challenges and compete in the prestigious Hans Woyda competition. In addition, there are numerous other team challenges and we are always keen to promote connections to real world maths by engaging children in Royal Institute lectures. In Year 9 pupils visit Bletchley Park and learn the basics of codes and ciphers. Later in the year, we host the ‘Maths in Action’ day where pupils compete in activities such as financial trading and structural engineering.
In Year 10, pupils commence the IGCSE course. Top set pupils are accelerated to ensure that they complete the course early in Year 11 so that they can then study GCSE Further Mathematics. This A-level bridging course provides extra stimulus and challenge, exposing pupils to methods that will facilitate a better understanding of higher level mathematics.
Each A-level Mathematics class is led by two teachers, thus ensuring students are taught by Mechanics and Statistics experts, aside from the pure requirements. Further Mathematics provides suitable and extensive challenge for the very brightest candidates who aspire to study Mathematics, Physics or Engineering at university. Problem solving is infused into the courses via Harkness lessons, whereby pupils are regularly given five challenging extra-curricular problems to research, individually or as a group. They are then required to articulate their findings in a student led environment, designed to encourage ideas and allay any confidence issues.
A-level details course: