Mathematics Overview

Chris Butterworth
Head of Maths

Please email Chris Butterworth if you need to make an enquiry about Mathematics at Ryedale School.

Curriculum Time

In Years 7 and 8 (KS3) all students receive 6 hours per fortnightly cycle. In Year 9, 10 and 11 they receive 7 hours per cycle.

Homework

The purpose of homework is to consolidate and revise learning. In Year 7 and 8 homework can be set 4 times per cycle. These tasks should last approximately 20 minutes. Teachers may choose to set 2 times per cycle, but these will be longer tasks. In Year 9, 10 and 11 homework is set 4 times per cycle. These tasks should take approximately 30 – 50 minutes. The tasks in KS3 could include consolidation, practice, learning, numerical/logic puzzles and research. In KS4 tasks could include consolidation, revision and practice exam papers.

Class Groupings

Students are set in Year 7 based on their prior performance in the KS2 assessments. Students who struggled to meet expected progress at the end of KS2 have additional interventions and support to enable them to close the gap. This is funded using the Year 7 Catch-Up premium.
In Year 7 and 8 students are split in to two parallel bands and then placed in one of three ability groups. In Year 9 students are placed in one of six groups. The intention is that students in sets 1H, 2H and 3H follow the higher tier curriculum. Setting reviews take place regularly each term to ensure each student is challenged to make better than expected progress.

GCSE Specification

The department follows the AQA Mathematics 8300 specification. There are two tiers of entry – Foundation and Higher. The Foundation tier targets grades 5 to 1. The Higher tier targets grades 9 to 4. There are 3 papers at each level. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper. Papers 2 and 3 are calculator papers. All papers are worth 80 marks. For further information the specification can be downloaded here.

Rooming and Resources

The department has 6 well qualified and enthusiastic staff in a suite of well-resourced maths rooms. There are texts, worksheets, games, puzzles and 16 PCs and 16 laptops for departmental use with subject specific software. We have recently invested in a new text book series to support the delivery of the new GCSE syllabus.

Departmental Ethos

The curriculum in KS3 is about enjoying maths and solving problems and puzzles to develop their mathematical skills. Students are encouraged to think mathematically i.e. precisely, logically and creatively developing an understanding of mathematical ideas and how to communicate them. We cultivate an appreciation of the link between the different areas of maths by interleaving topics and develop the ability to solve unfamiliar and multi-stage problems. This continues in KS4 although the emphasis is on developing knowledge, skills and techniques to perform as well as possible in the GCSE exams. The course gives students a firm foundation for further study across the curriculum.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Study club is regularly available for KS4 students after school. Staff are available at lunchtime for any student needing extra help in KS3 or KS4. Additional Maths is available as an optional extra maths course to develop the brightest mathematicians who can begin to work at AS level. Students can enter a maths challenge competing against students from other schools.

Other Information

Maths packs are available for new students to purchase which contain all the equipment they will need. Items of stationery, revision guides and calculators are also available to all students. Entry Level Certificate (ELC) will be available for those students working below grade 2.