Mathematics Department
Curriculum
At Key Stage 3, the department follows the content of the National Curriculum and National Framework for Mathematics with additional extension and enrichment activities. The school does not enter girls for the national Key Stage 3 tests.
At GCSE the Edexcel Linear course is followed covering the broad areas of
- Using and Applying Mathematics
- Number and Algebra
- Shape, Space and Measures
- Handling Data
Pupils are entered for the Higher Tier at the end of year 11.
In the Sixth Form, Mathematics can sensibly be studied in combination with any other subject and is a particularly good complement to the Sciences, Economics or Geography. However, wherever your main interest may lie, if you are good at and enjoy Mathematics, it is worth considering pursuing the subject in the Sixth Form. The analytical and problem-solving techniques which are developed at this level are valued in many disciplines and are highly regarded by employers.
The courses on offer provide a well-balanced experience of Mathematics beyond GCSE and aim to develop a student's understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment. The feeling of achievement that comes from finally solving what at first seems to be an intractable problem is unique to the subject, but comes only to those willing to try.
The mathematician's ability to handle data, reason logically, solve problems and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics is highly valued. The skills acquired through a Sixth Form Mathematics course at The Abbey School are relevant to many fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.
The Further Mathematics course requires a strong mathematical commitment on the part of the student and may only be studied in conjunction with A Level Mathematics. This course is a strongly recommended prerequisite to a university Mathematics course and students who have gone on to study Engineering, Materials, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economics have all commented on its usefulness.
The Mathematics (HL) course also requires a strong mathematical commitment on the part of the student and covers some topics to the same difficulty as the Further Mathematics course.
For AS and A2, OCR Mathematics and Further Mathematics courses are offered.
For IB, Mathematical Studies (SL), Mathematics (SL) and Mathematics (HL) courses are offered.
