Mathematics
At Bartholomew we aim to make learning mathematics an enjoyable experience. We would hope to provide the students with a warm, friendly and orderly classroom atmosphere - an environment which will make a significant difference to their motivation and overall achievement in mathematics. To help us and the students reach their full potential, staff will always attempt to make mathematics challenging and demand high standards of work from all our students.
Students are set in ability groups from Year 7, and this setting is monitored regularly to ensure that the students are correctly set at all times. Whatever grouping the students are in, the key feature of the way mathematics is taught is that the whole class and year group work together on a common theme. In class, as well as learning mathematical knowledge, the students are encouraged to develop their problem solving, communication, visualisation and logical thinking skills. The students will also look at the application of mathematics to everyday life.
ICT plays an important role within the department, with each mathematics classroom enjoying the use of interactive whiteboards. These boards enable teachers to use a range of interesting software and offer the opportunity for teachers to develop different teaching styles, all of which enhance the opportunities for our students. Students are also given the opportunity to develop their own use of technology, but at the same time we do not want to encourage a reliance on technology - mental strategies are given lots of importance.
Outside of lessons, teachers give a lot of time to support students. There is a weekly ‘clinic’ for both KS4 and KS5 students. Teachers in the department are often also available during break and lunch times to assist if students are struggling with any aspect of their mathematics work. The Learning Support Department also offer additional help through their ‘Summit Club’.
Each year students are encouraged to take part in the UK Mathematics Challenge. In the past students have had great success in this event and some of our students have even progressed to the European level of the competition.
Key Stage 3
At KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), we follow the National Numeracy Strategy and have developed it to suit the needs of all our students.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 (Years 10 and 11), we follow a linear GCSE course which enables the students to have the opportunity to enter the final examination at the correct level for their needs.
Key Stage 5
At KS5, Year 12 students study AS level Mathematics. All students study Pure Mathematics with either Mechanics or Statistics - they have a choice of whichever interests them or best supports other subjects. In Year 13 they then go on to study more Pure Mathematics and one area of Applied Mathematics for A level. Some students decide to follow a Further Mathematics course, which awards two full A levels over the two-year course. We also offer an AS level qualification in ‘Use of Mathematics’. This is a one-year course usually taken by students who are keen to learn how mathematics is used in the real world to a sophisticated level.