It is our objective to help each individual student achieve their full potential in this core curriculum subject.
It is our objective to help each individual student achieve their full potential in this core curriculum subject. 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 us fully develop this potential.
We encourage a positive homework ethos which reinforces the high expectations we have for student progress. We continuously and consistently 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.
Although everyone usually thinks that Key Stage 4 is the most important time in a child's education, the Maths Department at Bishop Barrington think Key Stage 3 is equally as important and greatly values your child's education throughout the whole of their school lives. The government have recently scrapped the end of Key Stage 3 SATS, however, your child’s progress will continue to be monitored using alternative assessment methods throughout their time at Bishop Barrington. Formative assessment, where your child will be constantly monitored through class work, homework, half-termly tests or end of year exams, will be used to 'set' your child – it is vital that pupils are placed in the appropriate set so that individual educational needs are met.
Functional Skills are now embedded within the Key Stage 3 curriculum which highlights to pupils the link between Maths and the ‘real world’.
Key Stage 4 is very 'leading edge' and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve upon the existing achievement of our students. Regardless of academic ability, each student is encouraged and supported to reach the targets we set for them. The syllabus is constantly changing to meet the needs of the students – every individual is given their own path through the GCSE course. This might be AQA Modular Mathematics syllabus, which is the school’s traditional route, or the more recent Edexcel Modular Mathematics syllabus. Students may be given the opportunity to follow an accelerated journey through their GCSE by completing either the Edexcel or OCR Linear Mathematics syllabuses. We also sell Revision Guides and additional support/revision materials, such as revision guide books and the highly recommended Mathswatch CDs, are available from the Maths Department at reduced rates.
The staff in the Maths Department 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!