Teaching Staff - Mrs Johnston, Mrs P Robson, Miss Glover, Mr Broome, Miss Concannon
Mathematics at St Ambrose Barlow aims to promote the pupils’ interest in, and enthusiasm for the subject.
We are a lead department of five highly qualified teachers who help pupils to develop logical though and mental agility in problem solving along with an awareness of the importance of Mathematics as a basis for the study of other subjects. We increase our pupils’ confidence in using Mathematics by using a variety of teaching and learning strategies relating the subject to every day life whenever possible.
At St Ambrose Barlow we use a Mathematics scheme which follows the National Numeracy Strategy and the programmes of study set out by the National Curriculum. The emphasis throughout is on applying Mathematics in practical situations. Spiral coverage of the curriculum which involves regular re-visiting of key concepts, promotes good progress and familiarity through practice.
We are a very well resourced department with all maths rooms housing an interactive white board. All staff are highly trained and have access to a wealth of interactive software. We believe that we deploy our resources efficiently and effectively so as to motivate and stimulate our pupils.
A small number of pupils in year 8 sit the World Class Tests in both Mathematics and Problem Solving. In recent years results have been very encouraging with some pupils achieving merits.
In addition to this some of our most able mathematicians in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 take part in the Leeds University Mathematics Challenge and achieve some very promising results.
Pupils have 4 lessons per week and are setted according to ability and potential.
All pupils will be examined at the end of Key Stage 4 by sitting the appropriate papers set by Edexcel and they do contributory coursework which forms 20% of the final grade. In addition to GCSE we also enter a small number of children for the “ALAN” qualification at both Levels 1 and 2. We have found this to be highly effective in boosting confidence and motivating pupils towards GCSE.
Within KS4 we continue to present Mathematics in a invigorating and practical context. In recent years we have built excellent links with Loreto College and our pupils enjoy both visits from staff and trips to Loreto, exploring opportunities within Mathematics post 16.
Past experience has shown us that high expectation brings success.
Recent GCSE examination results have been good at either on or above the National average.
Pupils in year 7 have 4 lessons per week and are taught in sets. Initially we group pupils according to their KS2 results and teacher assessments. Setting reviews take place regularly as pupils are assessed each half term. This enables us to give less able pupils the special attention they needs, while more able pupils are given extra extension work and encouraged to progress as quickly as possible.
Pupils in years 8 and 9 have 5 lessons per week and are setted within two populations. We continue to review sets after half termly assessments. The end of Key Stage 3 culminates in the Year 9 SAT’s in which our pupils achieve excellent results with the majority exceeding national targets.
Over the years the Mathematics department has built strong links with all four feeder primary schools. All year 6 pupils attend a “Maths Roadshow” in November where they have the opportunity to meet the Maths department staff and children from the other schools. They work together to solve some investigative maths problems with the help of some year 9 pupils working as facilitators. The day is always a big success and positive feedback given by all involved.
In addition to this, the Maths Department also deliver a transition lesson post Key Stage 2 SAT’s. At present we are planning a statistics project with the year 6 teachers to deliver in 2007.