Mathematics

Head of Department: Ms Elizabeth Berrimann BSc (Hons), PGCE

The Mathematics Department has two full time members of staff, Elizabeth Berrimann and Richard Coles, together with occasional support where needed from other staff who teach within Key-Stage 3. From September 2011, the Department is beginning a period of transition at GCSE level as we move away from a modular approach, where the subject is assessed in small chunks, and return to a linear scheme where the subject is assessed at the end of the two year key-stage 4 programme. This allows more teaching and learning time for our students to developa good understanding of the mathematics curriculum and provides less pressure on our students through external examinations. The syllabus followed for GCSEprovides a solid foundation for further study of mathematics in the sixth form.

Mathematics is delivered through ‘whole class interactive teaching and learning’ consisting of a mix of teacher presentations, class discussions, investigational and practical work supported by more traditional exercises and problem solving. Assessment follows the Park School policy and regular homework is set twice weekly in accordance with the same throughout the whole school. At the end of each year formal school examinations take place based on the current syllabus used.

With the evolution of new technologies to support teaching and learning, students are encouraged to use IT in developing their mathematical understanding. Calculators are also an important tool in solving mathematical problems and when investigating concepts in mathematics. We actively promote the appropriate use of scientific calculators throughout Key-stages 3 and 4 and have introduced the use of graphic calculators in the sixth form.

The Park School prides itself in providing a rich learning environment for students of all abilities. In Mathematics there is a wide range of abilities from those who find mathematics relatively easy to those who struggle with the most basic concepts. The Mathematics staffendeavour to reach out to all learners of the subject using resources most appropriate to their needs. Students identified as gifted and more talented in Mathematics are provided with enrichment activities within the normal mathematics classes. However, further enrichment is provided through the annual UK Mathematics Challenge series of events and we are planning a series of Mathematics Masterclass Workshops led by visiting University academics.

Richard and I became teachers because we felt that we could share our love of and enthusiasm for mathematics with young people and hope to encourage them to see mathematics as a dynamic vibrant subject. An important aim of our role as teachers is to ensure that the students leave The Park School having had an enjoyable experience with mathematics and an awareness of mathematics as a subject in its own right as well as a subject that can be used in everyday life and in the workplace.