The Mathematics Department occupies a suite of teaching rooms and is fully staffed with seven full time teachers. All rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and Active Expression hand-held devices are available within the department’s exceptional facilities. Extra-curricular activities take place throughout the year.
Year 7
On entry into Hurstmere pupils are set by reference to their Key Stage 2 results and an internal baseline test. Class size varies from 30 in the top set to approximately 20 in the lower sets. Movement between sets is constantly under review.
Every half-term pupils undertake two assessments; a problem solving task and a mental arithmetic task or their term exam. The tasks are designed to stretch each and every pupil to the best of their ability. Pupils needing extra help often benefit from a specialist Mathematics teacher and the help of a Teaching Assistant.
All pupils take progress examinations three times during the year.
The Maths Department has successfully implemented the National Numeracy Strategy and the programs of study, varied teaching styles and use of resources also reflect this.
The top 10 best Mathematics pupils in Year 7 take part in the UK Mathematical Challenge during the year.
The main book resource for Year 7 is Level Up Maths published by Heinemann. Homework can be viewed online, via the Hurstmere website, on Show My Homework. The department also uses MyMaths as a teaching tool and as a home-learning resource. An additional revision resource is a Mathswatch CD which can be purchased on the Hurstmere website, via WisePay for £5.00.
Year 8
In Year 8 minor adjustments may be made to the class sets, following each pupil’s performance in Year 7.
The Mathematics Department continues with the National Numeracy Strategy with pupils being assessed twice per half-term with problem solving tasks, mental arithmetic or term exams. Pupils are formally tested twice a year.
The top 10 best Mathematics pupils in Year 8 take part in the UK Mathematical Challenge during the year.
The main book resource for Year 8 is Level Up Maths published by Heinemann. Homework can be viewed online, via the Hurstmere website, on Show My Homework. The department also uses MyMaths as a teaching tool and as a home-learning resource. An additional revision resource is a Mathswatch CD which can be purchased on the Hurstmere website, via WisePay for £5.00.
Year 9
In Year 9 minor adjustments may be made to the class sets, following each pupil’s performance in Year 8.
The Mathematics Department continues with the National Numeracy Strategy with pupils being assessed twice per half-term with problem solving tasks, mental arithmetic or term exams. Pupils are formally tested twice a year.
Year 9 assists in setting goals for the pupils starting to prepare for their GCSEs, including "Bridging Units" underatken following the Year 9 Summer half-term.
CGP GCSE revision guides and workbooks can be purchased on the Hurstmere website, via WisePay for £6.50, along with the Mathswatch CD for £5.00.
Year 10
Year 10 pupils have two assessments per half-term to evaluate their ability in order to achieve the highest possible level of qualification in their Year 11 GCSE examinations.
The GCSE examinations board is AQA and the specification is GCSE Mathematics 8300. The examinations are held in the Summer term of Year 11, consist of three papers; two Calculator and one Non-Calculator.
The main textbook resources used will are AQA GCSE Maths, Higher or Foundation, published by Oxford University Press including Nelson Thornes.
CGP GCSE revision guides and workbooks can be purchased on the Hurstmere website, via WisePay for £6.50, along with the Mathswatch CD for £5.00.
Year 11
Year 11 focus throughout the year on their Summer term GCSE Mathematics examination. The examination board used is AQA and the specification is GCSE Mathematics 8300.
The main textbook resources used will are AQA GCSE Maths, Higher or Foundation, published by Oxford University Press including Nelson Thornes.
CGP GCSE revision guides and workbooks can be purchased on the Hurstmere website, via WisePay for £6.50, along with the Mathswatch CD for £5.00.