“One must learn by doing the thing; though you think you know it you have no certainty until you try.” Sophocles
In the Maths Department, we aim to foster in girls an enjoyment of Mathematics and an appreciation of its usefulness and beauty in the world; to help them make sense of mathematical patterns and rules; to help them communicate using mathematical language; and to build and develop their problem solving skills — all in order to provide them with a solid grounding in basic mathematical skills.
Studying Mathematics helps to develop skills of analysis, logical argument, problem solving, mathematical modelling and communication and it is also very enjoyable for its own sake. Students develop resilience by learning to savour the struggle while solving a challenging problem. We strive to give students the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve academic excellence but also the enthusiasm to take their learning further.
Year 7 - 9
The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is organised into distinct domains of Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling, but pupils build on their Key Stage 2 knowledge and ability to make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They apply skills developed in the mathematics classroom across the curriculum, including Science, Geography, Computer Science, DT, Art. Regular formative and summative assessment ensures students are taught in a style and setting that suits their strengths and supports their needs.
GCSE
In Year 9, pupils begin studying the 3-year course which leads to the IGCSE examination in Year 11.In the continued study of Mathematics, girls develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques; acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas; enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts; become confident to use Mathematics to solve problems and appreciate the importance of Mathematics in society, employment and study.
Pupils will study topics in the broad areas of Number, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. Numerical topics build on learning from earlier years. In Algebra, girls will learn how to manipulate algebraic expressions and to set up and solve problems using algebraic techniques. In Geometry, girls will expand their knowledge of transformations and shape and space. In Statistics, girls will learn how to use different statistical measures and diagrams to represent a set of data.
All pupils will take the Higher Tier IGCSE examination at the end of Year 11. Set 5 pupils will take the Foundation Tier IGCSE at the end of Year 10. They will then progress to take the Higher IGCSE at the end of Year 11. Students in the higher band classes will also study the AQA level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics qualification, alongside the IGCSE syllabus, which they will sit at the end of Year 11.
Co-Curricular
There are many opportunities to use mathematics beyond the classroom, and we encourage girls to discover and enjoy this.
The Maths Department has a programme of extra-curricular activities with clubs available including Puzzle Club, Maths Challenge Club and Chess Club. We support the NSPCC through Number Day and also celebrate Pi Day with additional activities in school.
Many girls are entered for the UKMT Maths Challenge and every year several achieve gold, silver or bronze certificates. Some girls may qualify for further Kangaroo or Olympiad follow-on rounds. The school competes against other London schools in the Hans Woyda Competition.
The Department arranges for occasional guest speakers to talk about the mathematics that they are using in their careers. There are other mathematical visits and lectures organised, including attending the Maths in Action lectures held in London in Year 10.
