Subjects / Maths
“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.”
-Stan Gudder
We are delighted to welcome you to Swadeland’s Mathematics Department. Located in our own dedicated building, your child benefits from a pleasant and constructive working environment. New technology and skilled teachers are combined with high expectations and targets to ensure we give your child the best start to their mathematical career.
Our enthusiastic and professional team’s teaching approach to learning has yielded SATs and GCSE results which compare favourably with other schools within the area.
The fact that students at Swadelands enjoy mathematics and are achieving high standards is a source of departmental and school pride.
Learning
Learning is achieved through practicing skills, activities and exploring rich open-ended tasks.
Key Stage 3
Pupils are set into classes according to ability. Pupils are constantly assessed throughout key stage 3 and teachers ensure every opportunity exists for pupils to progress. Pupils are tested at the end of each term and individual needs assessed. Individual performances are tracked and knowledge gaps addressed.
IT suites are available for online lessons and interactive web sites. Pupils will be set lessons and homework using both written and IT based sources.
A variety of project based learning topics challenge students with mathematical concepts. Topics vary but pitched to meet class levels of understanding. This will use group work and I.T. resources.
Online assessments are used every second term. This gives an instantaneous summary of a pupil’s understanding based on the delivered curriculum (Level Up maths). Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and be guided using project work and group activities. Personal goals and targets are highlighted to introduce the idea of independent learning.
Key Stage 4
The focus in Key Stage 4 is GCSE exams in June. Pupils are individually assessed throughout the term and each will receive a detail personal development plan. Revision and preparation can therefore be stylised at a more intricate and self styled manner. It is expected that at this stage pupils will identify with their own personal goals and strive to achieve their own realistic targets.
A variety of revision guides are available and pupils are encouraged to use our online revision and lesson web sites. Holiday revision days give tutorial styled lessons. These are organised on a regular basis.
A fast track approach is adopted at Swadelands where all classes are entered for GCSE mathematics in year 10, summer entry. Every opportunity is taken to achieve an optimum best for pupils by entering the following November exam if grades need improved upon. Pupils who need more time can, in this way, have at least 3 attempts using the fast track method.
Key Stage 5
Pupils who achieve B grade and above at GCSE have the opportunity of AS level mathematics in year 12. This will involve pure maths (C1 and C2 modules) plus an additional study of Mechanics (M1). A sound knowledge of GCSE mathematics is vital to ensure pupils make progress.
This is not an easy 6th form option but the qualification and learning opens doors for many other science and logic based college studies. Pupils are expected to complete home learning tasks in order to support the fast pace of learning.
In year 13 pupils who successfully complete year 12 will continue studying C3 and C4, pure mathematics, plus an optional Mechanics 2 or Statistics 1.
We offer regular lunchtime ‘drop-in’ help for any student from any class. There is also after-school maths clubs aimed at particular groups of students. GCSE evening revision sessions are held every Wednesday.
Homework
The mathematics department place homework as a high priority and endeavour to give pupils additional learning benefits from our on-line study programmes. The department extensively use www.mymaths.co.uk web site as a source of home learning for all pupils from year 7 to A level. Pupils are encouraged to access web sites recommended by us as listed and the department are actively constructing an online learning zone. We value parents who become involved with their child’s homework and learning, and who positively encourage their child to complete tasks in full and on time.
We actively involve students in their own learning and care about success. We:
- Have a maths club, which is thriving, together with a maths clinic, which aims to give students the opportunity of gaining help with aspects of their work, on a one to one basis.
- Regularly allow students to enter the National Mathematical Challenge that seeks to identify the problem solving ability of those taking part.
- Offer courses leading to GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Statistics and A-Level Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics).
- Aim to enthuse all students with the beauty and fascination of Mathematics whilst ensuring that they raise levels of achievement and attainment.
Our philosophy and vision is simple, we believe they are the best and want the best for all the pupils at our school.
For further information please contact Mrs Thrower, HOD, or any member of the Mathematics Department who will be delighted to help.
Useful web links
www.mymaths.co.uk
Home learning and set homework for all years. Pupils have full access to the site but require a code to access homework tasks. This is monitored by our staff and pupils can see progress from instant assessment.
www.nrich.org
Interactive games and mathematical conundrums set for all abilities and age ranges. Teachers set what is called “rich tasks” in a lesson based often on the ideas from this site.
www.mathcomp.leeds.ac.uk
Games and challenges created by a national mathematics institution that annually hold competitions for gifted students of mathematics. Students from Swadelands annually compete in this national and prestigious event.
https://portal.swadelands.kent.sch.uk/
On line class room for individual teachers set class work and Project Based Learning topics (all years).
Exam Boards
Edexcel
Key stage 4: GCSE Mathematics 2 tier entry ( Linear), GCSE Statistics.
AQA
AS and A2 Level ; Core 1 to Core 4 , Pure Maths. Statistics 1 and Mechanics 1A.
