Mathematics
- Mrs C Lagan (Head of Department)
- Mrs R Smith
- Mr C Cassidy
- Miss A Trainor
- Mr E McCormick
Mathematics is an essential skill for life. No matter what job you find yourself in it is highly
likely that you will use Mathematics in some way. The Mathematics Department in St Colman’s strives to equip pupils with these skills, whilst developing their confidence and enjoyment in the subject. We use up-to-date teaching methods and resources to engage pupils.
We encourage pupils to develop their Mathematical skills at home as well as in class by providing access to course materials, links to revision videos, apps, and additional revision materials through the Google Classroom app on the pupils’ iPad.
We expect every pupil to take responsibility for their own equipment which they must bring to every class. As a minimum this includes a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and protractor. In addition, we expect pupils from Year 9-12 to have a scientific calculator. We find Casio calculators the most straightforward to use and so we encourage all pupils to purchase a Casio calculator if possible.
KEY STAGE 3
At Key Stage Three (Years 8 to 10) the pupils will follow a broad, balanced programme in accordance with the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Our aim in doing so is to lay a thorough foundation of all necessary skills and endeavour to develop a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. Years 8-10 participate in the annual “Maths Week Ireland” which is usually held in the month of October. Throughout this week the pupils are involved in completing puzzles and challenges and exploring careers involving Mathematics.
KEY STAGE 4
GCSE Mathematics
At Key Stage 4 our pupils follow the CCEA GCSE course.
The specification has two tiers: Foundation and Higher. Each tier offers a choice of units suited to a range of abilities, allowing pupils to demonstrate achievement. The GCSE Mathematics course is unitised, so most pupils will take one unit at the end of Year 11, and the completion unit at the end of Year 12.
The specification has eight units, four at Foundation Tier and four at Higher Tier.
Foundation tier
- Unit M1: Foundation Tier (1hr 45 mins; 45% of qualification).
- Unit M5: Foundation Tier Completion Test (1 hr non calculator and 1 hr calculator; 55% of qualification)
- Unit M2: Foundation Tier (1hr 45 mins; 45% of qualification).
- Unit M6: Foundation Tier Completion Test (1 hr non calculator and 1 hr calculator; 55% of qualification)
Higher tier
- Unit M3: Higher Tier (2hrs; 45% of qualification).
- Unit M7: Higher Tier Completion Test (1 hr 15 mins non calculator and 1 hr 15 mins calculator; 55% of qualification)
- Unit M4: Higher Tier (2hrs; 45% of qualification).
- Unit M8: Higher Tier Completion Test (1 hr 15 mins non calculator and 1 hr 15 mins calculator; 55% of qualification)
GCSE Statistics
GCSE Statistics is offered as an option in Year 11. This qualification is unitised, and is examined at both Foundation and High Level. The main aim of the qualification is to allow students to develop understanding of the basic concepts of statistical problem-solving, whilst developing skills in planning, collecting, processing, analysing and representing data.
Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and understanding to planning a statistical enquiry. They learn to think critically in order to evaluate and interpret the outcomes of the enquiry, and they must choose an appropriate method to communicate their conclusions.
GCSE Statistics allows pupils to gain an insight into how large quantities of data are collected and analysed and is particularly relevant to public, academic, commercial and charitable sectors.
GCSE statistics specification
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Check that your child completes their homework regularly, ask them about the work they are doing and talk about what they have learned in their Mathematics classes.
Practice the times tables with your child every week and ensure that they know them.
Ensure that your child has the appropriate resources for class, including a fully charged iPad.
Encourage your child to complete number based puzzles, logic puzzles and to make use of the links to websites, recommended apps and revision materials on their iPads.
USEFUL WEBSITES
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/
http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/index.html
https://www.educationquizzes.com/ks3/maths/