Mathematics

Departmental Overview

The Mathematics Department is a large and successful one, teaching the IGCSE to the Lower School and offering Maths, Further Maths AS and Further Maths in the Sixth Form.

There are eight members of staff, forming a dedicated team who teach in a purpose-built department, which is well-equipped with its own suite of computers, with data projectors and interactive whiteboards.

Academic Overview: Lower School

Mathematics is compulsory for all Lower School pupils. Our emphasis is on mathematical enrichment as opposed to acceleration, especially for the brighter pupils and to this end, we explore a variety of topics not on the syllabus, which includes some code-breaking.

Upper School

Mathematics is a highly popular subject with almost 100 pupils in the Sixth Form taking one of the three options: Maths, Further Maths AS or Further Maths. All pupils have to study the ‘Core’ modules (which include some classic concepts such as Calculus) and also take a variety of Applied modules (Statistics, Mechanics and Decision maths). There are many good reasons to study mathematics; not just the appreciation of what a beautiful subject this is. Maths is the language of the universe: Quantum Theory and Relativity are mathematical theories that attempt to explain the laws of the universe. Mathematics is financially rewarding too; The Times reported that young people with A level maths earn 10 per cent more than their counterparts as a shortage of highly numerate candidates in the jobs market means employers pay a premium for their problem solving and number crunching skills. Not only this, but Mathematics is probably the most marketable A-level in terms of acceptability. It is difficult to think of any course/career where it would not be welcomed in combination with other subjects.
Departmental Activities: As stated previously, the Mathematics very much has an ethos of mathematical enrichment above that of purely acceleration. We believe that this leads to pupils being more rounded mathematicians, able to solve problems of all descriptions rather than simply being good at answering examination questions. The pupils take part in the UKMT Maths Challenges at all age-groups, the Guildford Maths challenge and also have the opportunity to sharpen their skills with the quarterly national Problem Solving Journal.
Examination Results: Results in recent years have been outstanding; last year over a third of our entire cohort achieved an A* and over 70% achieved an A* or A. Further, a number of our candidates have received awards from the Exam Board for being amongst the country’s top performers.

At A level, approximately two-thirds of our pupils achieve a top grade, with over 80% achieving an A or B.

We run regular clinics for pupils of all age groups to simply get some help, as well as revision sessions aimed purely at those pupils re-sitting a particular module.

Click here to view latest exam results tables

Virtual Tour

Admissions

Quick Downloads

Mathematics

Departmental Overview

Lower School

Upper School