Faculty of Mathematics
Faculty Leader: Mr Alan Cotgreave
Department Leader: Ms S. Iqbal & Ms A. Shabir
Waverley School offers students the opportunity to study Mathematics in all three phases: KS3, KS4 & KS5
The Faculty of Mathematics offers the following courses:
Key Stage 4 (ages 11-16)
- GCSE Mathematics. See below for more information.
Key Stage 5 (ages 16-18)
- Mathematics A Level. More information can be found via the Sixth Form Curriculum Pages.
Curriculum
Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns, it provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine, business and so on.
Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8, & 9)
The programme of study for KS3 ensures a smooth transition between the key stages in a student’s mathematical education. The curriculum builds upon the knowledge acquired in KS2 and aims to prepare students to lay the groundwork for more challenging mathematical studies in KS4 (GCSE level).
The Year 7 and Year 8 curriculum focuses on developing students' mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum typically includes topics such as number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability, aiming to build student confidence in understanding new concepts gradually and sequentially.
The programme of study for Year 9 is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in mathematical skills and concepts. It focuses on developing strong procedural knowledge on the parts of the curriculum covered so far, with a particular focus on achieving proficiency in crossover content. The aim is to ensure a strong foundation in mathematical principles and acts as a stepping-stone towards academic excellence, preparing students to excel in their GCSEs and beyond.
Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & 11)
We begin our tier system in Year 10 and Year 11, and believe that this will empower our students to reach their full potential, whether they are aiming for strong foundational knowledge or aspiring to excel in higher-level mathematics. This system reflects our dedication to personalised education, ensuring that students are able to thrive in their mathematical pursuits.
The curriculum aims to develop students' mathematical ability from KS3, by encouraging them to begin to articulate ideas mathematically and make clear links to prior learning. It encourages students to become proficient problem solvers, through a variety of mathematical challenges and scenarios. Students are therefore encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to real-world problems and develop critical thinking skills.
The curriculum also emphasizes mathematical reasoning and understanding. Students are not only expected to solve mathematical problems, but to also explain and justify their solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. There is an explicit focus on making and building connections between the different strands of Mathematics to help solve high-level problems.
Through a combination of rigorous learning, logical thinking, and regular assessments, the successful completion of the KS4 curriculum equips students with the essential tools to prepare for success in their GCSE examinations and more advanced mathematics courses in post-16 education.
Overall, our intent is to equip our students with a strong mathematical foundation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply mathematics in a variety of contexts, setting the stage for continued learning and success in higher education and future careers.