Mathematics

Mathematics in the Lower School aims to foster enthusiasm for the subject by consolidating all basic skills as well as challenging pupils to think in a more abstract way.

The Common Entrance examination is not taken by pupils in the Lower School, therefore the pupils will often be stretched beyond normal expectation, in preparation for possible early GCSE sitting in future years. Pupils are set by ability and experience. Those less confident will be nurtured in small sets, so that they feel free to ask 'basic' questions to improve thier understanding.

Lower Third (Year 7)

In the Lower Third we aim to make the transfer between primary and senior school mathematics as comfortable, exciting and as useful to later study as possible. Pupils are introduced to a higher than usual proportion of algebraic skills as we feel that this grounding will ultimately produce more confident, competent, higher level mathematicians . Pupils also study number, shape and space and handling data contained in the 13+ Common Entrance syllabus.

Upper Third (Year 8)

At this stage, all sets will be working at National Curriculum level 6 or higher.  The top set will be working at a very fast pace, often covering grade A*/A topics that are included at Higher tier GCSE. Without a main examination to work towards, we allow time for diversity of learning, by doing practical or interactive lessons. We also encourage all pupils to think laterally by spending time on Maths Challenge papers and problems.

Extra-curricular

We enter the National Team Challenge competition in late February, building up to the team (of 4) selection through internal events in the preceding weeks. Competition for places is intense and we naturally hope for much success in the near future!