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Devonport High School for Girls

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
Using a scientific calculator
An introduction to algebra
Algebra: Brackets
Rounding and estimation
Area and perimeter

Cycle 2

Solving equations
Straight line graphs
Probability
Fractions
Transformations

Cycle 3

Angles
Averages and range
Distance-Time graphs
Sequences
Ratio
3D Shapes

Year 8 

 

Cycle 1

  Calculations, checking and rounding
  Indices, roots, reciprocals and hierarchy of operations
  Factors, multiples and primes
  Standard form and surds
  Introduction to algebra

Cycle 2

Algebra the basics
Setting up, rearranging and solving equations
Factorising complex quadratics
Sequences

Cycle 3

Averages and range
Representing and interpreting data
Fractions
Percentages

Year 9

Cycle 1

Ratio and proportion
Polygons, angles and parallel lines
Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
Linear graphs and coordinate geometry

 

Cycle 2

Graphs: Real-life graphs
Quadratic, cubic and other graphs
Perimeter, area and circles
3D form and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres

 

Cycle 3

Accuracy and bounds
Y9 MOCKS
Transformations
Solving quadratics and simultaneous equations
Iteration

Year 10 

Cycle 1

Inequalities
Probability
Multiplicative reasoning
Similarity and congruence in 2D and 3D
Graphs of trigonometric functions

 

Cycle 2

Further trigonometry
Collecting data
Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms
Quadratics, expanding more than two brackets, sketching graphs (circles, cubes and quadratics)

 

Cycle 3

 

Circle theorems
Circle geometry
Y10 MOCKS
Changing the subject of formulae (more complex)
Algebraic fractions
Solving equations arising from algebraic fractions

Year 11

 

Cycle 1

Vectors and geometric proof
Introduction: How to successfully approach the GCSE mathematics examination
Y11 MOCKS
Constructions, Loci and Bearings
Mock feedback

 

Cycle 2

Reciprocal and exponential graphs; Gradient and area under graphs
Direct and inverse proportion
Spring MOCKS
Review of class areas for development

 

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.