The aim of the Mathematics Department is to enrich and enhance the experience of mathematics in many and various ways. To inspire confidence and encourage risk taking by building upon the natural ability and curiosity of our students.
WHY MATHEMATICS IS EXCITING AT CLSG?
Mathematics has a high profile at CLSG. Pupils are encouraged in their enthusiasm for mathematics and given every opportunity to flourish. They are encouraged to talk about mathematics and actively participate in their learning by taking part in UKMT National Mathematics Challenges, Mathematics Olympiads and the House Mathematics Challenge.
They are inspired by a dedicated team who are committed to providing excellent opportunities for learning and support to enable the pupil to realise her full potential.
We are delighted with the results the girls at CLSG achieve and the fact that over 50% of pupils continue to study mathematics in the Sixth Form is indicative of their success.
In Year 7 the foundation is laid for the IGCSE course; the students follow a programme of study encompassing number, algebra, space and shape, and data handling. Techniques are developed and extended throughout these years. A range of practical activities support students learning and mental skills are routinely consolidated. Students also use ICT to assist their learning.
Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11 students extend their concepts in numbers, algebra, space and shape, and data handling in preparation for Mathematics IGCSE which is examined at the end of Year 11. Girls in the top mathematics set or top two sets are also prepared for OCR Additional Mathematics, at the discretion of the head of department.
Two-thirds of the content of the Mathematics A Level is Pure Mathematics. Pupils extend and develop techniques in Algebra and Coordinate Geometry, before learning new concepts relating to Functions, Calculus and Numerical Methods. One sixth of the course is Statistics, in which pupils study Probability, Statistical Diagrams and Hypothesis testing. The remaining sixth of the course is Mechanics, in which pupils study how to use Newton’s Laws, Moments, Constant Acceleration equations and Calculus to model motion and forces in static systems.
Students have two teachers in Year 12, one of whom teaches a mixture of Pure Maths and Statistics, and one of whom teaches a mixture of Pure Maths and Mechanics. The same is true in Year 13, though pupils may have different teachers. The course is designed in such a way as to bring out the connections between different areas of mathematics and to enable pupils to experience some of the ways it can be applied in the real world. The course is assessed through three examinations in the summer term of Year 13. There are two papers on pure Mathematics and one covering Mechanics and Statistics. Each exam is two hours long.
Pupils opting to take Further Mathematics study the whole of the A Level Mathematics course in Year 12, before starting the A Level Further Mathematics course in the summer term. In Year 13, pupils complete the Further Mathematics course. The Further Mathematics course covers the same areas of Mathematics as the Year 12 course, but at a higher level. Pupils learn to use matrices and complex numbers in Pure Mathematics and learn the skills to attack more complicated problems in Statistics and Mechanics. Half of the course is Pure Mathematics and the proportion of time spent on each of the applied topics varies from year to year, depending on the interests and aspirations of the pupils.
A Level: Edexcel
Further Mathematics: OCR
RECENT TRIPS/LEARNING ACTIVITIES
- Year 12 Mathematics students attended the annual Maths in Action Day at the London Institute of Education. This is an opportunity for them to see applications of Mathematics in a univerisity environment.
- The Hans Woyda Mathematics team (by invitation) represents the school in competitions against other London schools.
- The School has also participated in the Senior and Junior Challenge Competitions against other schools.
- Year 7 have enjoyed the inter-form Frogs competition.
- Year 7 and 8 had an exciting activity morning with Matt Parker investigating aspects of topology.
- Year 7 have explored the mathematics of St Paul's Cathedral
- Year 8 have visited the 'Gherkin'
- Year 8 had an activity morning building 'Geodesic Domes'
Pi Cupcakes 3D Fractal Christmas Tree
"I have really enjoyed studying Maths and Further Maths at City. Maths is fun at A Level because you have difficult problems you can talk through with the class and you learn that maths is very applicable to the outside world. Small classes mean you get individual attention and know everyone well. Clinics after school can help if you are struggling and the teachers are friendly and supportive. Maths is a great skill to have in your repertoire and worth studying!" Elizabeth
Head of Department: Mr T Bateup