Welcome to the Mathematics Department!
Departmental Vision
In a world of rapid and extraordinary change, the ability to understand and apply mathematics has never been more essential in everyday life and the workplace. The Mathematics Department at The English School is dedicated to providing every student with the highest quality education in mathematics, helping them reach their full academic potential. Through innovative teaching and a supportive environment, we challenge students to become independent learners, equipping them with core knowledge, sound reasoning, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to thrive in a global society.
Enrichment Program
Our Enrichment Program is a cornerstone of the Mathematics Department, designed to foster mathematical excellence and nurture talented students with a passion for mathematics. Through focused preparation for regional, national, and international competitions, students in the program engage in advanced problem-solving and critical thinking activities that go beyond the standard curriculum. This program has led to outstanding successes, including high rankings in the Mathematics Olympiad and significant achievements at the regional and national levels. The Enrichment Program offers an environment that supports ambition and drives students to excel, preparing them for prestigious competitions like the Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad (JBMO) and the International Mathematics Competition (IMC).
Departmental Aims and Ethos
- High Expectations: We set high standards for all students and encourage them to realize their full potential in mathematics.
- Effective Teaching: We focus on varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems, enabling students to develop a deep conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge quickly and accurately.
- Engaging Learning Approaches: We use diverse teaching methods to engage and motivate students, encouraging active participation and a love for learning.
- Differentiated Instruction: We strive to challenge every student appropriately by differentiating our teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs.
- Integrating Technology: We incorporate technology into our classrooms to enhance understanding and help students connect math concepts to real-world applications.
- Seamless Transition: We work to ensure smooth transitions for students between key stages, supporting their progress through each level of their mathematical education.
- Encouraging Enrichment: We encourage students to participate in math competitions and other enrichment opportunities beyond the curriculum.
- Collaborative Learning: We provide opportunities for students to explore mathematical ideas independently, in partnerships, small groups, and as a whole class, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.
Curriculum
YEARS 1&2 – KS3 Mathematics and IGCSE Mathematics
In the first and second years, students follow a general course in Mathematics. The textbooks used for years 1 and 2 are the Maths Frameworking 3rd edition by Collins Year 1, 2 and 3 Pupil Book 3. These textbooks include Functional Mathematics, ICT resources and investigations, matching the Revised KS3 Framework (National Curriculum UK). The aim is to prepare students for the IGCSE course and allow students to enjoy and appreciate Mathematics. In the middle of the second year, students begin the IGCSE course using the textbook ‘Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Book 1’.
YEARS 3&4 – IGCSE Mathematics
In the third year, students continue the IGCSE course, finishing the textbook ‘Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Book 1 and starting the International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Book 2’. In the fourth year, they finish the ‘Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Book 2’. These textbooks aim to prepare pupils for the higher tier of the IGCSE course and cover key stage 4 of the National Curriculum (UK). The examination is taken through Edexcel, the Examination Board of the University of London.
At the end of the fourth year, students take the higher tier of the IGCSE examination.
The IGCSE examination consists of two external written examination papers of equal weight..
The IGCSE course covers the following areas of Mathematics:
• Using and Applying Mathematics
• Number and Algebra
• Shape, Space and Measures
• Handling Data.
Students are encouraged to use mental calculations wherever appropriate but are also taught how to use calculators when dealing with problems involving more complex calculations.
YEAR 5 – International A-Level Pure Mathematics 1 and
AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics (optional)
International A-Level Pure Mathematics 1
In Year 5, students start their International A-Level in Mathematics.
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
- develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment.
- develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs.
- extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more complex, unstructured problems.
- develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected.
- recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real-world’ problems and standard and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved.
- use mathematics as an effective means of communication.
- read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics.
- acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations.
- develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.
- take increasing responsibility for their learning and evaluating their own mathematical development.
in the (x, y) plane, Trigonometry, Differentiation and Integration.
AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics (optional)
The Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics qualification fills the gap for high-achieving students by assessing their higher-order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth without infringing upon AS Level mathematics, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the IGCSE Mathematics rather than a replacement.
The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth. This qualification places an emphasis on higher-order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem-solving skills. It also introduces calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
At the end of the fifth year, all students take the International A-Level Pure Mathematics 1 and, optionally, the AQA Level 2 Further Maths examination.
YEARS 6 & 7 – International AS-Level and A-Level Mathematics / Further Mathematics
SINGLE A-LEVEL COURSE
Qualifications:
International AS-Level in Mathematics (XMA01) and International A-Level in Mathematics (YMA01)
Course Structure
It consists of 6 units in total.
All students will take the following units:
Pure Mathematics 1 (Year 5), Pure Mathematics 2 (Year 6), Pure Mathematics 3 (Year 7) and Pure Mathematics 4 (Year 7).
To complete their IAL qualification, they must choose between Statistics and Mechanics.
Statistics units to complete the IAL: Statistics 1 (Year 6) and Statistics 2 (Year 7)
Mechanics units to complete the IAL: Mechanics 1 (Year 6) and Mechanics 2 (Year 7)
This course is recommended for students planning to follow university courses in Architecture, Physics, or Aeronautical / Civil / Mechanical Engineering, Accountancy, Actuarial Studies, Business Management, Economics, Biology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Medicine, Social Studies, and Statistics.
Statistics is about collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events. Many subjects make use of statistical information and techniques. Understanding probability and risk is important in careers like insurance, medicine, engineering and the sciences.
Mechanics is about modelling and analysing the physical world around us, including studying forces and motion. Mechanics is particularly useful to students studying physics and engineering. Knowledge of elementary Mechanics to IGCSE Physics standards is recommended for this course.
DOUBLE A-LEVEL COURSE
Qualifications:
International AS-Level in Mathematics (XMA01) and International A-Level in Mathematics (YMA01)
International AS-Level in Further Mathematics (XFM01) and International A-Level in Further Mathematics (YFM01)
Course Structure
It consists of 12 units in total.
All students will take the following units:
Pure Mathematics 1 (Year 5)
Pure Mathematics 2 (Year 6)
Further Pure Mathematics 1 (Year 6)
Statistics 1 (Year 6)
Statistics 2 (Year 6)
Mechanics 1 (Year 6)
Pure Mathematics 3 (Year 7)
Pure Mathematics 4 (Year 7)
Further Pure Mathematics 2 (Year 7)
Mechanics 2 (Year 7)
Mechanics 3 (Year 7)
Statistics 3 (Year 7)
The course is aimed at those students who are considering studying Mathematics, engineering and other related subjects at a university where universities are willing to accept or need two A-Levels in Mathematics. It is important to note the following:
• Students should only take this course if they have an aptitude for Mathematics.
• Students who will be taking the two International A-Levels in Mathematics will only be able to choose two other International AS-Levels in the 6th form and only one other International A-Level in the 7th form.
