Mathematics

Our ethos

At Sheffield Girls’ we know and understand that every student is capable of developing and being successful in Mathematics, whatever their starting point. We have high expectations of all our students, all of whom follow the same curriculum in Key Stages 3 and 4. Our experienced team of teachers are all subject specialists, and are committed to knowing all their students as individuals and ensuring that they have the opportunity to make maximum progress. Teaching schemes are designed to ensure that all students can access the whole curriculum, while higher-attaining students are still stretched and pushed to develop as mathematicians.

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Years 7 and 8 (Key Stage 3)

Mathematics in Years 7 and 8 is centred around building the key skills in number and algebra which will be the foundation of pupils’ learning in the coming years. This includes building fluency in operations with fractions, ratio and proportional reasoning, and a deep understanding of basic algebra and in particular solving equations. Pupils will also study geometry, developing their reasoning using angle facts, and the essentials of data handling. Problem solving is central to the curriculum and features across all topics. A focus on fluency and depth of understanding will prepare pupils for the challenges of the IGCSE course.

Mathematics is taught for three hours per week throughout Key Stage 3. Students are taught in a flexible two tier grouping based on ongoing progress.

Extra-Curricular

In the Spring term, all Year 7 pupils participate in Mathematics Day, a House competition involving working in teams to solve a succession of mathematical problems and challenges. Many pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 take part in the annual UK Mathematics Challenge competition. We run a lunchtime Maths club each year which takes on different themes and is supported by our Year 13 prefects.

Years 9-11 (Key Stage 4)

In Year 9, students begin formal study of the IGCSE Mathematics course. They will remain in the same teaching groups as for Key Stage 3, but these are regularly reviewed as the course progresses to ensure that all students can reach their full potential. Through a carefully constructed teaching scheme, students build up the large body of knowledge and understanding required for the IGCSE course over Years 9 to 11, with regular consolidation of previous topics to ensure they are retained in long-term memory. Regular assessments and targeted support ensure that students are making the progress needed to be successful in these important external examinations.

Students also have the option of studying for the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics during year 11. This is a challenging course which offers a superb foundation for continued study of Mathematics at AS or A level, and which gives the students an additional qualification.

Extra-curricular

We maintain links with the Sheffield universities and regularly take students to problem-solving workshops as well as inviting lecturers and tutors to speak in school. Students in Key Stage 4 can take part in the intermediate UK Mathematics Challenge competition, and we also take teams to local and regional competitions.

Support

Every Mathematics teacher at Sheffield Girls’ makes themselves available to support students outside of lessons when it is needed. There is also a structured programme of dedicated lunchtime clinics (three times per week) to which students can drop in to get help with their work. These are staffed by members of the Mathematics department and sixth form prefects.

Students who need more support to make excellent progress with their Mathematics are taught in a smaller group with additional one-to-one support available from a teaching assistant. Sixth-form Mathematics students run intensive coaching sessions with small groups of younger students identified as needing extra help with specific topics.

All of our Year 11 students are provided with a revision guide to support their exam preparation but, all the way through their time at school, the girls have access to our year group Firefly Mathematics pages with dedicated resources and advice.