Mathematics

Dedicated, highly qualified and experienced members of staff do everything possible to guide their students successfully though the challenges of GCSE and A/AS level syllabuses.

Mr C Smith is an experienced Head of Department and has been teaching and lecturing Mathematics and Statistics since 1991. He joined the Saint Felix staff at Easter 2008 to lead the Mathematics team.

Mr J Cowan is an established Mathematics teacher at Saint Felix and teaches throughout the full age range.

Additional classes are taught at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 3 by Dr. J Dodsworth, Mr M Grunnell, Mrs S Fenwick and Mrs M Westlake.

This year (2011) 89% of students have achieved a grade C or better at GCSE at their first attempt - matching the figure from last year - including 44% at grade A*/A .

A/AS level results have been equally impressive with Mathematics being one of the most popular subjects studied in the Sixth Form. Modules in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics are offered, giving students the chance to obtain full A/AS level qualifications in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

As well as entering students for public examinations, we also participate fully in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior Mathematical Challenges run by the UK Mathematical Trust.

Many students are successful in achieving Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates. In the Senior competition, we have also had invitations to enter students for the British Mathematical Olympiad.

GCSE Mathematics Specification

For GCSE we teach the OCR GCSE Mathematics Specification B (J567) at both Foundation and Higher levels.

The standard two-tier linear model has a Higher Tier covering grades A*-D and a Foundation Tier covering grades C-G. All students have the opportunity to obtain at least a grade C at GCSE.

All but a few students follow a Higher Tier course in GCSE Mathematics. The few less able mathematicians cover basically the same course but without covering the material necessary for attainment at grades A*, A and B.

Assessment for each tier of entry is by a combination of two examination papers (50% weighting each). In the first paper in each tier, candidates will not be allowed to use a calculator. In the second paper however, there will be questions requiring the effective use of a calculator. There is no coursework element to the assessment. Each Higher Tier Paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes in length and those for the Foundation Tier are 1 hour and 30 minutes in length.

Assessment objectives

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following in the context of the course content:

AO1 – Recall and use their knowledge of the prescribed content
AO2 – Select and apply mathematical methods in a range of contexts
AO3 – Interpret and analyse problems and generate strategies to solve them

Quality of written communication (QWC) is assessed on certain questions on all papers.

The syllabus encourages candidates to develop an appreciation of the place and use of Mathematics together with an ability to think and communicate mathematically, i.e. precisely, logically and creatively.

As such, the two-year (Higher) course includes a wide range of topics enabling the student to prepare for possible study at AS level.

For international students who join us on a temporary basis, or perhaps for those with a different background, it is also possible to enter for the IGCSE in Mathematics at an appropriate time before continuing their study on to AS/A-level Mathematics.