MATHEMATICS

 

The teaching groups are set according to ability.  Year 9 concentrates on establishing a firm grasp of ‘the basics’ whilst developing mathematical thinking skills.  From Easter of Year 9, we start working towards Unit A of the GCSE course, with the aims of undertaking the examination in November of Year 10.  This unit constitutes 25% of the GCSE qualification.

 

The GCSE Mathematics course develops several topics and concepts already familiar to the students, but it will also introduce many new ones.  The course is interesting and worthwhile. Many employers demand success at GCSE (or equivalent) not necessarily for the topics studied, but more because of the basic skills, logic and problem-solving skills acquired.

 

At Settle College, the GCSE course relies heavily on resources accessible through Electronic Whiteboards. Students will be provided with worksheets which are essential to consolidate and practise concepts and skills taught in class.

 

All students have access to the “MyMaths” website, giving an opportunity to review and learn as well as take on-line assessments to improve their Maths. Students receive feedback regarding areas of strength and those requiring further development. A link to the above website and other revision materials and recommended sites is available through the school Virtual Learning Environment.  Students will be urged to buy a revision CD-Rom, containing video revision tutorials for all topics.

 

Please encourage your son/daughter to keep a calculator in their school bag at all times.

 

Progress Routes and Careers

 

  • Maths competency, often at GCSE grade C standard and above, is essential for most careers.
  • Further study at AS and A2 is desirable for Higher Education in many areas such as Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Technology, ICT, Finance, Insurance and Banking, Business Management, and many others.
  • A Mathematics degree opens up many career paths and a recent study showed that, on average, Maths and Computing Degrees make the biggest difference to life-time earnings. 
  • Both Maths and Further Maths can be studied at AS or A2 level. The requirement to qualify for this would be a good GCSE at grade B or above as well as aptitude and commitment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Courtesy of High Wood Photography)