Name of Head of Department
Mr N Riseborough BSc (Hons), PGCE
Statement of Intent
At the core of everything we do is the ideal that mathematics at DHSG should be an exciting adventure where our students are guided to discover the richness and variety of our subject.
Though our bespoke and ambitious curriculum, we aim to stimulate our students’ interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics, with a commitment to fostering a positive attitude towards their studies.
Whilst striving to grow a love of studying mathematics for its own sake, it is important that our girls recognise the diverse applications of our subject and how it underpins almost every area of the wider curriculum, from the more obvious science and computing links, through to the music and art subjects.
Our curriculum offer is much more than teaching the skills required for the GCSE. We teach our girls to ask questions, think critically, and respond with brave reliance when faced with unfamiliar situations.
It is our intention that at the end of KS4, all girls have a positive view of mathematics and are confident and fluent with the curriculum. Girls will have outstanding foundations for any further study and, importantly, enter the world beyond school as highly numerate citizens.
Key stage 3 (Year 7 and 8)
Our students follow a bespoke five-year curriculum pathway to meet the needs of our selective cohort. Whilst we do not differentiate between KS3 and KS4, all elements of the KS3 curriculum are met by the end of year 9.
Year 7
Term 1
Working with integers
Primes/factors/multiples/squares/cubes
Prime factor decomposition
BODMAS
Calculator use
Negative numbers
Introduction to algebra
Term 2
Expanding brackets
Expanding and simplifying brackets
Rounding and estimation
Area and perimeter (including circles)
Term 3
Solving equations
Straight line graphs
Introduction to probability
Term 4
Working with fractions
Transformations
Term 5
Angles
Averages and range
Distance time graphs
Term 6
Sequences
Ratio
3D shapes
Year 8
Term 1
Calculations, checking and rounding
Indices, roots, reciprocals and hierarchy of operations
Term 2
Factors, multiples and primes
Standard form and surds
Algebra: the basics
Term 3
Setting up, rearranging and solving equations
Term 4
Sequences
Averages and range
Term 5
Representing and interpreting data
Scatter graphs
Term 6
Fractions
Percentages
All students follow the new Edexcel GCSE (Higher) mathematics course. Whilst we do set by ability, all students follow the same scheme of work and sit the same assessments. All students have the opportunity to achieve the highest grades.
Details can be found here:
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the Edexcel website GCSE Mathematics Specification
Key stage 4 (Year 9, 10 and 11)
All students follow the new Edexcel GCSE (Higher) mathematics course. Whilst we do set by ability, all students follow the same scheme of work and sit the same assessments. All students have the opportunity to achieve the highest grades.
Year 9
Term 1
Ratio and proportion
Polygons, angles and parallel lines
Term 2
Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
Graphs: the basics and real-life graphs
Term 3
Linear graphs and coordinate geometry
Quadratic, cubic and other graphs
Term 4
Perimeter, area and circles
3D form and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres
Term 5
Accuracy and bounds
Transformations
Term 6
MOCK EXAMS
Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations
Year 10
Term 1
Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations
Probability
Term 2
Multiplicative reasoning
Similarity and congruence in 2D and 3D
Graphs of trigonometric functions
Term 3
Further trigonometry
Collecting data
Term 4
Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms
Quadratics, expanding more than two brackets
Sketching graphs, graphs of circles, cubes and quadratics
Term 5
Circle theorems
Circle geometry
Term 6
MOCK EXAMS
Changing the subject of formulae (more complex)
Algebraic fractions, solving equations arising from algebraic fractions
Details can be found here:
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the Edexcel website GCSE Mathematics Specification
Curriculum Programmes of Study
|
Year |
Cycle | Content |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 7 |
Cycle 1 |
Properties of number |
|
Cycle 2 |
Solving equations |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Angles |
|
|
Year 8
|
Cycle 1 |
Calculations, checking and rounding |
|
Cycle 2 |
Algebra the basics |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Averages and range |
|
|
Year 9 |
Cycle 1 |
Ratio and proportion |
|
Cycle 2 |
Graphs: Real-life graphs |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Accuracy and bounds |
|
|
Year 10 |
Cycle 1 |
Inequalities |
|
Cycle 2 |
Further trigonometry |
|
|
Cycle 3
|
Circle theorems |
|
|
Year 11
|
Cycle 1 |
Vectors and geometric proof |
|
Cycle 2 |
Reciprocal and exponential graphs; Gradient and area under graphs |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Past papers with teaching of areas for development informed by MOCKS/Past papers |
Extra-curricular activities
200 students every year take part in the junior, intermediate and senior mathematics challenges.
The department run a mathematics club on a lunchtime. Students from this group are selected for the Mathematics Challenge team. The school have been regional junior champions on a number of occasions.
