Maths
Head of Department: Mrs Sarah Shannon
Teaching Staff: Mr Andrew Anderson, Miss Aimee Carson, Mrs Joanie Kelly, Mr David Hackett, Mr Garreth Mitchell, Mr Conor Sweeney
Learning Support: Mrs Debbie Corbett
The Mathematics Department at St. Columbanus College reflects the aims and objectives of the college, providing a caring and nurturing environment enhancing the teaching and learning of our pupils. We are a dynamic department who strive to get the best out of all the pupils we teach. We embrace the Revised Curriculum incorporating content alongside Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities, Problem Solving, Active Learning and ICT.
Hard-working teachers of mathematics who work effectively as a team;
Excellent working relationships … support and encourage the pupils
– ETI Inspection Report – Jan 2010
Homework
Homework tasks are assigned to students each week using the Sparx Maths online platform. Your maths teacher will explain how this platform works and help you set up your account. Students will also be set written homework tasks throughout the year.
We encourage all parents/guardians/carers to take an active role in completion of homework by providing a signature in homework books and encouraging students to complete these without a calculator when appropriate.
How to log into Sparx: https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/5530880/KB%20How%20to%20Videos%20-%20Spring%202021/How%20students%20log%20in.mp4
Parents info:
Subject Information
Key Stage 3
KS3 Maths:
Pupils in all year groups study appropriate content for their level from the main areas of Mathematics:
- Number
- Data
- Algebra
- Shape, Space and Measure
Pupils are given the opportunity to expand on their subject knowledge and challenge themselves through a variety of classroom activities and lessons.
Our pupils enjoy taking part in Numeracy Ninja challenge weekly in class and build up mathematical skills while trying to earn their Black Belt.
All pupils are assigned one written homework a week. The due date is agreed with the class teacher at the beginning of the year.
We participate in a range of Mathematical Competitions and events throughout the year including UKMT Mathematics Challenge, Maths Week Ireland, Manga High Competitions , SumDog Challenges and Fun Maths Roadshow.
Pupils have access to ‘Sparx Maths’ and ‘Maths Pad’ to consolidate work in class and to help prepare for Continuous Assessments.
GCSE Maths
All students sit examinations in CCEA over their two-year period in senior school.
The content of each GCSE Mathematics unit relates to:
- Number and Algebra;
- Geometry and Measures; and
- Statistics and Probability.
The units all provide opportunities for students to develop and apply their mathematical skills to real-life contexts.
The eight available units are:
- M1: Foundation Tier
- M2: Foundation Tier
- M3: Higher Tier
- M4: Higher Tier
- M5: Foundation Tier Completion Test
- M6: Foundation Tier Completion Test
- M7: Higher Tier Completion Test
- M8: Higher Tier Completion Test
Pupils can sit a variety of combinations of modules to complete their GCSE Mathematics. An example of the most common pathways used is shown below, however other pathways are available.
Foundation Tier:
Higher Tier
Further information and Past Papers can be found on the CCEA website using the link below.
http://www.ccea.org.uk/mathematics/
Entry Level Mathematics
Entry Level Mathematics allows students to develop an understanding of how mathematics is relevant to everyday life. Through studying Entry Level Mathematics, students develop:
- a positive attitude to mathematics;
- an ability to think mathematically – precisely, logically and creatively;
- knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical ideas;
- skills for using and applying mathematical ideas in real-life situations;
- confidence in their ability to carry out mathematical tasks;
- an ability to use mathematics across the curriculum;
- the ability to use computers and calculators as mathematical tools; and
- the ability to work both independently and co-operatively.
Entry Level Mathematics can lead to higher level qualifications such as GCSE, GNVQ Foundation and NVQ Level 1.
GCSE Statistics
Selected pupils are entered for GCSE Statistics alongside their GCSE Mathematics course. The basis for the selection is based on Year 10 Summer Examination results and PTM Data. The Statistics course is 100% examination taken in May/June of Year 12.
Both Higher and Foundation tier available:
- Unit 1 – 50%
- Unit 2 – 50%
Further Information and Past Papers can be found on the CCEA website using the link below:
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-statistics-2017
Pupils have access to ‘Hegarty Maths’ and ‘Maths Pad’ to consolidate work in class and to help prepare for Examinations.
Post-16:
Pupils wishing to be considered for A Level Mathematics must have studied M4/M8 combination at GCSE Level.
Pupils have access to ‘Sparx Maths’ and ‘Maths Pad’ to consolidate work in class and to help prepare for Examinations.