It is our objective to help each individual student achieve their full potential in this core curriculum subject.
Aims of the Department
It is our objective to help each individual student achieve their full potential in this core curriculum subject, whilst also giving them the skills they need for life after Bishop Barrington. We use a wide range and variety of teaching styles, resources, interactive ICT software, texts and revision aids, as well as educational visits and national team/individual challenges, to help every child fully develop their potential. Where a child may not be making the expected progress, we intervene with specific strategies such as 1-to-1 tuition and in-class support from our HLTA – we will put systems in place to help every child progress.
We encourage a positive homework ethos, which reinforces the high expectations we have for student progress. We continuously track students to make sure that the expected progress for each individual is made in the necessary time span. Students are expected to use their own scientific calculator and other necessary mathematics equipment.
REVIEWED 22/11/16Key Stage 3
At Bishop Barrington we put high emphasis on the learning of children at Key Stage 3. It is essential that pupils are given a good grounding in the basics in order to achieve well at GCSE. Pupils are assessed regularly and monitored so that intervention can be put in place if pupils are seen to be falling behind their peers. We use formative assessment, where your child will be constantly monitored through class work, homework, and teacher assessment and summative assessment in the form of half-termly tests and end of year exams. Along with other systems, we rely on assessment when we look to 'set' your child – it is vital that students are placed in the appropriate set so that individual educational needs are met.
Problem solving is now embedded within the Key Stage 3 curriculum which highlights the link between Mathematics and the ‘real world’.
The course comprises the following six areas of study:-
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 we follow the Edexcel linear course at both foundation and higher tiers of entry. Regardless of academic ability, each student is encouraged and supported to reach the targets we set for them, which are based upon the level they achieved at Key Stage 2. We assess on a regular basis and ensure that the pupils are fully aware of what they need to do to make progress.
We sell Revision Guides and additional support/revision materials, such as revision guide books and the highly recommended Mathswatch CDs, are available from the Mathematics Department at reduced rates.
The Staff
The staff are in the Mathematics Department are all fully qualified mathematicians and are more than willing to go the extra mile to make sure that your child not only achieves their full potential but also enjoys their time at Bishop Barrington. We provide extra-curricular support such as after-school revisions classes and have an open door policy where students can feel confident that a member of staff is always available to address any concerns they wish to raise. We are open and friendly and, most importantly, want your child to do well!