MATHEMATICS ACADEMIC AREA

The Mathematics Area is staffed by seven Mathematics teachers and a Special Needs teacher. It is situated in a suite of seven rooms with most teachers being based in one classroom.
From September 1998 Year 7 to Year 9 will be following the Key Maths Scheme published by Stanley Thornes. This scheme has been trailed in Year 9 and found to be successful in improving the attainment and understanding of the pupils. The Area previously followed the SMP 11-16 Mathematics scheme. At Key Stage 4 the Area is following the SMP Graduated Assessment scheme (MEG 1666) as well as following the MEG Certificate in Achievement course. There is a strong emphasis in the Area on good classroom teaching and thus a variety of other schemes and resources are used to support the teaching and learning.
Each classroom is equipped with a RM Nimbus machine and the Area has a stand-alone 486 computer. Information Technology is mainly developed in the school-based technology suites where whole classes can be accommodated. These suites hold network versions of the main Microsoft applications as well as the full MicroSmile series of software, Omnigraph, Graphplot, Maths Blaster, Tabs + Pinpoint. Literacy and Numeracy is given a boost in Year 7 with increased curriculum time in conjunction with the use of the Integrated Learning System RM SuccessMaker. The Area is committed to working with the English Area on this exciting IT development.
Pupils with Special Educational Needs are catered for within the Mathematics Area. Pupils, targeted in Year 7 and Year 8 are taught in a small group by the Mathematics special needs teacher. In Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 the pupils requiring special needs are taught by mathematics teachers. In addition to this there is a programme of support of individual pupils by Learning Support Assistants.
Mathematics is well funded and equipped with textbooks, resource books, consumable materials and small and large apparatus, all placed within a central store. The Area has a class set of graphical calculators. Pupils are also expected to provide their own mathematics equipment for use in the Area and across the whole curriculum.
The Area is committed to supporting the overall aims of the School in helping pupils achieve their best in the pursuit towards "Learning for Life". With this in mind, a variety of teaching methods supporting didactic lessons, practical lessons and investigative approaches is developed.
There is involvement in extra curricular activities including a Maths Club, the Enrichment programme for more able pupils, the University of Leeds Mathematical Challenge and will shortly be affiliating to Mathematical associations. Added to this the Area is involved in the Initial Training of Teachers PGCE course run by Anglia University. As an Investors in People institution the School, as a good programme of In-Service Training which is linked to the needs of the Area and to staff's individual Development Plan.