Mathematics
We believe that a strong understanding of maths helps students to understand the world around them and allows them to make reasoned choices in their lives outside school. The Maths Faculty strives to provide a rich and meaningful course to ensure that all pupils can access and enjoy the curriculum and reach their full potential.
We want to give students the confidence to embrace mathematical challenges that they encounter as adults using the problem-solving skills they have developed as students.
Mathematics is a popular subject at Parrs Wood with a high number of pupils choosing to continue its study into A-Level.
Equipment Required
- Pen
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Scientific calculator (we recommend the CASIO fx-83GT plus)
- Protractor (ideally 360 degrees)
- Pair of compasses
Mathematical equipment along with the rest of the simple 7 (inc. Casio fx-83GT plus) can be purchased from the stationary shop on site. Students can also spend their rewards points on equipment from the online portal with next-day collection available.
Useful Links
Our staff highly recommend these links for students to visit as they contain useful resources to assist in this particular subject area
- DrFrostMaths
- corbettmaths.com
- Mr Barton Maths
- Bitesize GCSE Maths
- MyMaths (ask a maths teacher if you do not know your login details)
Key Stage 3
Students are facilitated in the development of their number, data handling and geometry skills and be introduced to algebra and probability. Topics are taught in line with the National Curriculum and are taught in a variety of formats and key numeracy skills are regularly revisited. By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils will have mastered the essential numeracy skills and have a solid foundation of topics to enable them to succeed at GCSE at the appropriate level.
Year 7
Number:
- Basic Arithmetic and Negative Numbers
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Squares, Cubes and Roots
- Multiples Factors Primes
- Estimation
- Ratio
Algebra:
- Algebra Simplifying and Solving
- Inequalities
- Sequences
Shape:
- Measures
- Area, Perimeter and Volume
- Angles
- Transformations
- 3D-shapes
Data Handling:
- Sets, Venn Diagrams and Probability
- Representing Data
Year 8
Number:
- Indices, Roots, Powers
- Standard form, Estimation and Accuracy
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Algebra:
- Manipulating Brackets and Solving Equations
- Graphs
- Solving
Shape:
- Pythagoras
- Enlargement and similarity
- Construction and loci
- Angles and Bearings
- Transformation
- Volume and surface area
Data Handling:
- Probability
- Averages
- Representing Data
Year 9
Number:
- Reverse Percentages and Compound Interest
- Rounding and estimation
- Solve ratio and proportion questions
Algebra:
- Algebraic manipulation
- Sequences
- Functions and graphs
Shape:
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
- Angles and Bearings
- Transformations and similarity
Data Handling:
- Averages from tables
- Statistical diagrams
- Probability and Tree Diagrams
Key Stage 4
At KS4, our Maths curriculum builds on the skills that pupils have gained at KS3. We develop problem solving techniques so that pupils can reason mathematically and break down information and decide on the mathematical skills that are needed to solve more complex problems. We expose students to exam style questions to prepare them for the GCSE and we ensure that pupils are challenged. By the end of KS4, students are aim is for all students to achieve success at GCSE and have problem-solving skills necessary for further education or to secure employment and for life as an adult.
Year 10:
| Foundation | Higher |
| Integers and place value | Indices, roots, reciprocals and hierarchy of operations |
| Decimals | Standard form and Surds |
| Indices, Powers and Roots | Algebra: the basics, setting up, rearranging and solving equations |
| Factors, Multiples and Primes | Graphs: the basic and real life graphs |
| Fractions and FDP conversion | Percentages |
| Properties of shape, parallel lines and angle facts | Fractions |
| Perimeter, area and volume | Ratio and proportion |
| Plans and Elevations | Linear graphs and coordinate Geometry |
| Percentages | Probability |
| Ratio | Pythagoras |
| Proportion | Trigonometry |
| Probability | Sequences |
| Tables, charts and graphs | Calculations, checking and rounding |
| Pie charts | Solving quadratics, factorising, completing the square, quadratic formula |
| Statistics, sampling and averages | Perimeter, area and circles |
| Algebra: the basics | 3D forms and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres |
| Expressions and substitution into formulae | Accuracy and bounds |
| Equations and inequalities | Polygons, angles and Parallel lines |
| Sequences | Constructions, Loci and bearings |
| Representing and interpreting data and scatter graphs | |
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Collecting Data
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Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms |
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Transformations |
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Averages and range |
Year 11:
| Foundation | Intermediate | Higher |
| Indices and Standard Form | Indices and Standard Form | Revision of linear graphs and coordinate Geometry |
| Fractions, decimals and percentages | Rounding, bounding and error intervals | Surds |
| Algebraic manipulation | Angles and parallel lines | Changing the subject of a formula |
| Angle facts | Pythagoras | Solving quadratics, factorising, complete the square, formula |
| Straight line graphs | Trigonometry | Algebraic fractions and solving equations |
| Probability and Venn diagrams | Compound measures | Proof |
| Circles | Solving quadratics | Iteration |
| Equations and equalities | Linear graphs and coordinate Geometry | Circle geometry |
| Ratio and compound measures | Perimeter, area and volume | Solving inequalities: linear, graphically and quadratics |
| Proportion | Congruence and similarity of 2D and 3D | Functions |
| Pythagoras | Percentages | Reciprocal and exponential graphs, gradient and area under graphs |
| Trigonometry | Factors, multiples and primes | Vectors and geometric proof |
| Volume and surface area | Transformations | Further Trigonometry |
| Transformations of shapes and vectors | Functions | Probability |
| Quadratics | Iteration | Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms |
| Quadratic graphs | Sequences | Transformations |
| Scatter diagrams | Ratio and exchange rates | Constructions bearings and Loci |
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Rearranging equations, graphs of cubic and reciprocal
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Direct and inverse proportion | Sequences/Quadratic sequences |
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Constructions |
Quadratics and Simultaneous equations | Quadratic and linear simultaneous equations |
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Similarity and congruence 2D |
Solving inequalities | Direct and inverse proportion |
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Simultaneous equations |
Probability | Circle theorems and proofs |
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Averages and range | Congruence and similarity of 2D and 3D |
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Cumulative frequency and box plots | Trigonometric graphs and ratios |
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Plans and elevations, constructions and bearings | Transformations of functions |
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Frequency polygons and scatter diagrams |
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5 we have three courses that enable students to continue their study of maths post 16 at a level suitable to them. The courses allow our students to progress in careers where there is a higher level of mathematic content and deepens their understanding, building on their prior knowledge.
We offer the following subjects at Parrs Wood Sixth Form College:
Year 12:
- Algebraic Methods
- Algebraic Expressions
- The binomial expansion
- Quadratics
- Line Geometry
- Equations and Inequalities
- Graphs and Transformations
- Differentiation
- Exponentials
- Integration
- Logarithms
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Circles
- Trig identities and Equations
- Data Collection
- Vectors
- Measures of location and spread
- Modelling in Mechanics
- Representations of data
- Constant Acceleration
- Correlation
- Forces and motion
- Probability
- Variable Acceleration
- Probability Distributions
- Hypothesis Testing
Year 13:
A Level Bridging Pack
In order to be prepared for a successful year of AS Mathematics we expect all of our new students to download and complete the A level Mathematics bridging pack. If you can complete this pack and are comfortable will all of the skills involved then you will have a good foundation on which to build upon during your first year of the course. If you struggle with any topics in the pack then we would advise you to seek help at your first available opportunity in order to bring your skills up to the required level.
Click here to download the bridging pack.
Some websites that students may find useful at KS5 include:
- MyMaths (school login is ‘parrs’ and ‘maths’, ask your maths teacher if you do not know your personal login details)
- Advanced Mathematics Support Programme
Contact
Director of Faculty: S. Anderson (s.anderson@pwhs.co.uk)
