Mathematics
The Mathematics Curriculum at Durham School
In Years 7 to 11 pupils follow the Mathematics Enhancement Programme developed by Exeter University. The emphasis is very much on having fun whilst learning with lots of extension materials including investigations, activities, tests of mental agility and competitions. The course challenges students well beyond the standards required for Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. Near the end of Year 9 pupils take the Key Stage 3 SATs in Mathematics.
All pupils study Mathematics until at least the end of Year 11. All pupils sit the GCSE examination in the Summer Term of Year 11.
GCSE Syllabus: Edexcel, Mathematics A (1387)
The Mathematics syllabus has three tiers of examination entry: Higher, Intermediate and Foundation.
The Grades available in the Higher Tier are A*, A, B, C.
The Grades available in the Intermediate Tier are B, C, D, E.
The Grades available in the Foundation Tier are D, E, F, G.
Those pupils capable of achieving Grade A or very close to that standard are entered for the Higher Tier. The rest are entered for the Intermediate Tier. The decision about tier of entry is made as late as possible.
Assessment: 80% Examination (two papers)
20% Tasks, one assessing data handling and others assessing ability to use and apply Mathematics.
The BBCBitesize website provides a useful resource for pupils prior to GCSE exams. In the Sixth Form students can choose to study Mathematics or Mathematics and Further Mathematics (using two option choices)
Mathematics is a required entry qualification for many mathematical, scientific and engineering courses, and is welcomed for other types of course, including Medicine. Mathematics is commonly taken with scientific subjects, but a mathematical qualification is highly valued in any combination. In both combinations the examining body is Edexcel. (Link to Edexcel (Syll. 1391, 1392, 1591, 1592 website)
A Level Mathematics
Required qualifications are an interest in the subject and a Grade B or better in GCSE. It is not possible to take the course if the full syllabus for the Higher or Intermediate Tier examination at GCSE (or equivalent) has not been studied. It is advisable to have studied the top tier of the GCSE syllabus and to have gained a Grade B or better. If a student has gained a grade B at Intermediate Tier GCSE the department strongly recommends the student takes a bridging course over the Summer holiday prior the starting the AS Mathematics course in September. Students not continuing with Mathematics in the Upper Sixth will be able to obtain an 'AS' qualification in the Lower Sixth.
Maths
next event
Monitors' meeting
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Maths teacher qualifies for Olympic Assessment
Fiona Burnie reaches Phase 2 of Girls4Gold
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"My son’s trips away with the CCF have helped to teach him independence, discipline and confidence in being able to look after himself and others. The House competitions have involved my son in singing and helping out with drama productions, something he might never have done if he had not attended this school. We will all be very sad when the time comes for him to leave.
"
Jane Rich (son, Year 12)