Mathematics

Aims and Objectives

Aims

to enable each pupil within his/her capabilities to develop the mathematical skills and understanding for adult life, for further study, training and employment.

to provide each pupil with the maths required to study other subjects.

to help each pupil gain confidence in their own abilities to use the subject as a tool.

to create a positive and confident approach to the subject, and to appreciate the role that the subject has played and will continue to play, in the development of science and technology.

to make each pupil aware that maths provides a powerful means of communication in spoken, written and diagrammatic form. "The Curriculum that pupils follow at school should not be restricted by this examination syllabus. They should be encouraged to develop investigative thinking...." is an excerpt actually taken from the most recent maths C.E. syllabus.

At the root of any progress in mathematics is a good grasp of number bonds, and they should be reinforced at every opportunity, with remedial action being taken by individual teachers. It is not satisfactory for children at 11+ not to know their basic tables. We should make every conceivable effort, individually or collectively as a department, to remedy these specific problems.

Objectives

• to raise the standard and attainment of each individual child to one that is consistent with the expectations of the senior school, i.e. a minimum of grade C at common entrance, thus providing a solid base for GCSE.
• to make each pupil numerically proficient, for use within the subject, other subjects and everyday life.
• to provide each pupil with an array of problem solving skills.
• to engender a positive feeling in each pupil about mathematics, to the point where further studies in the subject are both a logical and natural choice.