Overview
One of the primary aims of the Mathematics Department is to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for the subject.
At all Key Stages, standards of attainment are consistently well in excess of national averages.
We endeavour to develop in all our students, confidence and accuracy in handling every day mathematical ideas and techniques. A variety of teaching and learning methods, incorporating both individual and group activities, develop each student’s written, oral and practical skills.
Careful monitoring of all students’ performance throughout their time at Nidderdale High School enables us to set high and clear targets for each student and give them effective feedback to maximise their potential in the subject.
KS3 Information
- Course Content
The Mathematics department follows a scheme of work that prioritises thorough understanding of key mathematical concepts in Years 7 and 8. Students cover number skills, properties of shapes, an introduction to using algebra and statistics.
- Methods of Assessment
Students are assessed at the end of each module of work (every few weeks). Feedback is given so that students know what to work on to improve further.
- Homework
This is usually consolidation work, set once per week.
- Additional activities
Students have the opportunity to complete the University of Leeds Maths Challenge. This a series of questions aimed at developing students’ problem solving skills. A small team of Year 8 and 9 students also participate in the UKMT Team Challenge.
KS4 Information
- Syllabus/exam board & tiers of entry
The scheme of work followed by students in Years 9, 10 and 11 has been written in accordance with the Edexcel GCSE specification. Students are entered for either the Higher or Foundation tier. Higher Tier allows students to achieve grades 9 - 5 and Foundation Tier allows students to achieve grades 5 - 1. In some instances students are not entered for GCSE, in such circumstances these students follow the AQA Entry Level Syllabus. Alternatively, students can be entered for both options.
- Course content
The course content matches the Edexcel specification. The Mathematics department uses a scheme of work developed around this. Content for the course is summarised as follows:
| Subject area | Foundation tier content | Higher tier content |
| Number | 25% | 15% |
| Algebra | 20% | 30% |
| Ratio and proportion | 25% | 20% |
| Geometry and measures | 15% | 20% |
| Probability and statistics | 15% | 15% |
Details of the specification can be found at:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html
- GCSE method of assessment
Students complete three written papers, two calculator and one non-calculator. All papers are one and a half hours in duration. Mock papers are completed in Years 10 and 11.
- Homework
This is usually consolidation work, set once/twice per week.
- Additional activities
Students in year 10 have the opportunity to complete the University of Leeds Maths Challenge. This a series of questions aimed at developing students’ problem solving skills.
Students in years 10 and 11 are offered the opportunity to visit local universities to use their maths skills to tackle challenging problems and to find out about university life.
Additional Information
Each year the Mathematics department hosts master classes for Y6 gifted and talented students from our local cluster schools. The emphasis of the classes is on having fun and providing an opportunity to engage in areas outside of the National Curriculum.
Reviewed July 2020