Mathematics has a threefold purpose. It must provide an instrument for the study of nature. But this is not all: it has a philosophical purpose, and, I daresay, an aesthetic purpose. Henri Poincaré
Mathematics is an essential life skill and the foundation of the expression of much scientific knowledge.
The Mathematics department aims to equip girls with the skills to master the basic processes that will be useful in everyday life, as well as extend horizons – perhaps literally, to the stars!
At all levels Mathematics is delivered through a variety of teaching methods, including use of the Internet and ICT. Two of the four dedicated Mathematics rooms have an interactive whiteboard. On entry into Upper 3 (Year 7) girls are taught in their form groups and then put into ability sets in November. Progress is constantly monitored and changes are made where appropriate. In the Upper 3 to the Upper 4 (Years 7-9) basic knowledge of arithmetic processes is consolidated and understanding in each of the four National Curriculum areas is extended.
At GCSE level open-ended questions, which involve using and applying Mathematics, help the girls to develop their ability to think logically, precisely and creatively. The functional aspects of Mathematics are also incorporated to help the girls appreciate the place of Mathematics within the real world. The top set also study for the GCSE Statistics, which they sit at the end of the Upper 5 (Year 11), in addition to the GCSE Mathematics.
Mathematics is an extremely popular choice of subject at Advanced Level, with many girls also taking Further Mathematics. Modules studied will include Pure Mathematics and options from Probability and Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.