Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 at QIS follow a mathematics
syllabus based on the English National Curriculum and
National Numeracy Strategy. This is tested towards the
end of Year 9 by the QCA Mathematics SAT's examination.
Based on:
- the results of this examination
- the pupil's performance in Year 9 in Module Tests
- the recommendation of their Year 9 Mathematics teacher
pupils are selected to follow either the "Core" or the
"Extended" syllabus to IGCSE level. Here it must be pointed
out that the difference in mathematical ability required
for these courses is quite marked. A pupil who has achieved
a SAT's level below level 6 is unlikely to be able to
cope with the intellectual demands of the "Extended' course,
as this not only poses more difficult questions but also
contains several additional topics of study.
The department does, however, encourage as many pupils
as possible to attempt the "Extended" course. It is easier
for a pupil to transfer onto the "Core" syllabus from
the "Extended", should they be unable to cope with the
more difficult concepts, rather than the other way.
The IGCSE programme of work offers pupils the opportunity
to build upon the skills learnt in Key Stage 3 and to
develop many new mathematical concepts. Underpinning these
courses is the use of precise mathematics language, the
integration of problem solving techniques and the application
of mathematics to real life situations. Pupils are encouraged
to 'talk mathematically', to develop strategies and to
make connections - both within mathematics and to other
subject areas.
"Mathematics is the study of patterns abstracted
from the world around us - so anything we learn in Mathematics
has literally thousands of applications, in arts, science,
finance, health and leisure."
Professor Ruth Lawrence,
University of Michigan
The Mathematics Department also offers AS Mathematics
in Year 12 and A Level in Year 13. Due to the advanced
nature and difficulty of this course it is only open to
pupils who hove studied the Extended syllabus and have
achieved grades of A*, A or B in their IGCSE Examination.
Overview of Syllabus
The following summaries (in *.pdf format) are available:
Key Stage 3
(Years 7 to 9). See also
Year 7 and Year
8 schemes of work (Year 9 to follow)
Key Stage 4
(Years 10 to 11)
AS Level (Year
12)
