Maths at Forest School
Head of Department: Mr S Jeffery sj@forest.org.uk
An approach to Mathematics that will equip them to use it in the adult world; developing their understanding and interest in the subject as well as their confidence and enthusiasm.
Pupils to achieve excellent qualifications in the subject and to stimulate their appreciation, application and enjoyment of all mathematical disciplines through a broad mathematical experience. We encourage intellectual curiosity to develop problem-solving, flexible thinking and perseverance.
We follow the EDEXCEL IGCSE (A) course. Higher students are stretched beyond the syllabus to give them the opportunity to also take the FSMQ Additional Mathematics examination via some extra lessons in Year 11 to further enhance their mathematical knowledge.
The OCR(MEI) A Level is unique in giving students the opportunity to broaden students’ learning and thinking skills. The Further Maths specification allows considerable flexibility and specialisation; as well as Mechanics and Statistics students take advantage of Modelling with Algorithms and Extra Pure so the course course and their studies are tailored to their preferences and future.
Maths at Forest gives the foundations necessary for further study of Mathematics and other disciplines.
Our rich curriculum includes:
- Math competitions and challenges
- Trips to see lecture series
- Annual MOP (Maths off piste) event: recent speakers have included Colin Wright, Steve Mould, Kjartan Poskitt (Murderous Maths), Marcus du Sautoy, Dr Jennifer Rogers and Alex Bellos.
GCSE and A-level Overview
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques
- Acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas
- Enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident to use mathematics to solve problems
- Appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study.
- Mathematical modelling of the real world
- Develop and grow empirical reasoning and statistical interpretation skills
- Develop and grow rational and logical thinking skills
- Understanding of connections and a variety of problem-solving techniques
- Use of technology; advanced calculators, spreadsheets for example
Assessment at GCSE and A-level
IGCSE Edexcel Spec. A:
- 2 calculator papers: 2 hours
FSMQ Add Maths:
- 1 paper: 2 hours
A Level Single Maths OCR(MEI):
- Paper 1: Core & Mechanics (100 marks) – 2 hours
- Paper 2: Core & Statistics (100 marks) – 2 hours
- Paper 3: Core & Comprehension (75 marks) – 2 hours
A Level Further Maths OCR(MEI)
- Core Pure – 2 hours 40 minutes (50%)
- The remaining 50% can be made from 2 or 3 of:
- Mechanics Major or Statistics Major: 2 hours 15 minutes (33 1/3%)
- Mechanics Minor, Statistics Minor, Extra Pure, Modelling with Algorithms: 1 hour 15 minutes (16 2/3%)
Curriculum Maps – All Years
How can Maths change the world?
Maths is a powerful subject which links to the world in immeasurable ways – music, physics, art, geography… the list goes on!
More than ever in this world we live in we need mathematicians to understand the derivations of statistics to critique fake news and recognise how statistics can be used properly or otherwise, for better or worse.
Every time we make a decision (i.e. all the time) we are using logical reasoning, based perhaps on probability, or perhaps on calculations.
Many global challenges are multi-disciplinary, requiring mathematicians, scientists and engineers to work together. For example, with climate change, the basic science can be well understood by most people, but mathematicians are in the unique position to use their understanding of uncertainty and probability to communicate data and forecasts in a clear coherent way to the people who need it.