Mathematics
Welcome to the Mathematics Department
Mathematics is essential for everyday life and understanding our world. It is also essential to science, technology and engineering, and the advances in these fields on which our economic future depends. It is therefore fundamentally important to ensure that all pupils have the best possible mathematics education. They need to understand the mathematics they learn so they can be creative in solving problems, as well as being confident and fluent in developing and using the mathematical skills so valued in the world of industry and higher education.
The Maths Curriculum at Dyffryn Taf is designed to provide a smooth transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 and on to GCSE and A-Level, for students of all abilities.
Key Stage 3
New Year 7 Curriculum
Mathematics is an international discipline, and numeracy, the application of mathematics, plays a critical part in our private, social and civic lives, and in the economic health of the nation. As a department we believe that it is imperative that mathematics and numeracy experiences are as engaging, exciting and accessible as possible for learners, and that they ensure that learners develop mathematical resilience (the ability to embrace challenge as a positive aspect of learning). Developing mathematical resilience contributes to the development of ambitious and capable learners.
Pupils are set after October half term in Year 7. The setting is reviewed every half term by the department. The programme of study is such that it allows the movement of pupils across the sets. All pupils are given a formal homework every half term followed by a formal test. As well as ensuring that we develop pupils numerical skills it is essential that we develop their numerical reasoning skills.
The aim of our programme of study is to ensure that all pupils:
Become fluent in the fundamental of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and preserving in seeking solutions
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the WJEC GCSE course with the Programme of study based on the specification for the Mathematics and Numeracy GCSE, which is assessed in Year 11. Pupils will follow the Foundation, Intermediate or Higher scheme of work. Support is provided for GCSE pupils through focused revision sessions and thorough monitoring.
GCSE Numeracy and GCSE Mathematics have 3 tiers of entry:
Higher Tier: Grades A* – C
Intermediate Tier: Grades B – E
Foundation Tier: Grades D – G
Learners entered for each qualification must sit both units at either foundation, intermediate or higher tier, in the same examination series. They can however sit different tiers for Mathematics and Numeracy.
To read more about the courses, please click here.
How are they assessed?
Each qualification has 2 Units
Unit 1 A Non-Calculator Exam
A 1 hour 45 minute exam for Higher and Intermediate Tier. 1 hour 30 minute for Foundation.
Unit 2 A Calculator Exam
A 1 hour 45 minute exam for Higher and Intermediate Tier. 1 hour 30 minute for Foundation.
Key Stage 5
The WJEC GCE AS and A level in Mathematics provides a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society.
How will I be assessed?
AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics 25% of qualification
AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics 15% of qualification
A2 Unit 3: Pure Mathematics 35% of qualification
A2 Unit 4: Applied Mathematics 25% of qualification
To read more about the course, please click here.
Extra Curricular
As a department we provide the following opportunities to further pupils progress outside the classroom:
To challenge our more able students we encourage pupils to participate in the UKMT individual and team challenges.