THE TEAM

Mr J Binyon	Teacher of Mathematics
Mr J Blackmur	Teacher of Mathematics
Miss J Evans	Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs S Hodson	Teacher of Mathematics
Miss R McAvoy	Teacher of Mathematics, Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Mr S Miller	Mathematics KS4 Coordinator
Mr R Oldfield	Mathematics KS5 Coordinator
Mrs A Sawa	Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs K Taylor	Mathematics KS3 Coordinator

INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT

The Mathematics Department at St Peter’s aims to foster a culture of problem-solving and adaptability amongst its students. In line with the mathematics curriculum, we are coaching our students to become better at breaking down problems and considering alternative approaches to obtaining solutions. Our goal is to develop thinking and reasoning skills to help students to solve contextual problems. We are also promoting the efficient use of technology to support our students’ mathematics, but at the same time maintaining high expectations of their mental mathematical skills. We are an energetic team of teachers who love mathematics and are passionate about exploring the subject and discovering the best ways to pass this enjoyment and wonder onto our students.

WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?

Mathematics is a very popular subject choice in the Sixth Form. It is a challenging subject, which offers a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction. Students learn to extend their own thinking within a logical framework and they develop persistence and resilience, as harder problems often require several attempts before a way in is identified. Specifically, students acquire the confidence to deal with information given in algebraic, numerical or graphical form and to produce written work, which is logical and concise.

FUTURE ACADEMIC AND CAREER PATHWAYS

Many universities require students to have a good grade in A Level Mathematics as an entry requirement for courses such as Economics, Engineering, Mathematics and Science.

COURSE CONTENT

Students will be studying the Edexcel syllabus.

In Year 12, the A Level in Mathematics covers :

• Number and algebra
• Trigonometry
• Calculus
• Vectors
• Applied maths

In Year 13, the A Level in Mathematics covers:

• Proof
• Sequences and series
• Further calculus
• Applied maths

ASSESSMENT

• Pure Mathematics (Edexcel 9MAO/01 and 9MAO/02): two written calculator papers, 2 hours, 100 marks each
• Statistics and Mechanics (Edexcel 9MAO/03): one written calculator paper, 2 hours, 100 marks

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

• Mathematics Inspiration Lectures

• Assisting the lower school Challenge Club

• National Cipher Challenge

• AMSP Team Mathematics Challenge

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics. Some students who achieve a very strong 6 may qualify, although these students will be reviewed on an individual basis. All students who apply to study an A Level in Mathematics need to have a very strong grasp of algebraic concepts taught at GCSE, an excellent work ethic and be self-motivated as the step up from GCSE to A Level is significant.