Head of Department: Mr T C Jones tcj@sevenoaksschool.org
Second in Department: Mr D Vaccaro djv@sevenoaksschool.org
The Mathematics Department
There are fourteen full time and two part time specialist Mathematics teachers in the department, teaching in Old School at the heart of the campus. This was the original School building before being used as a Boys' Boarding House. In the late 1990s this was converted into the Mathematics block incorporating fourteen classrooms and two computer suites as well as a number of offices.
The main aims of our department are to encourage pupils to:
- be confident and achieve well in Mathematics;
- consolidate basic skills and meet appropriately challenging work;
- think and communicate mathematically – precisely, logically and creatively;
- develop problem-solving skills so that they can apply their mathematical knowledge in everyday life and in other curriculum areas;
- make creative and efficient use of appropriate technology;
- work both independently and as members of a team;
- appreciate the place and use of Mathematics in society; historically and currently.
- develop an appreciation of the interdependence of different branches of Mathematics;
- build a firm foundation for further study.
Years 7 & 8
We set our classes by ability in all years except 7, when pupils are taught in forms. This allows those in Year 7 to settle into Sevenoaks and to respond to the specialist teaching with in the department before placing pupils into appropriate sets for Year 8. At this stage we try to help students develop independent thought while at the same time ensuring all the fundamental concepts have been both thoroughly understood before starting their IGCSE in earnest in Year 9.
Although coursework is not a part of the IGCSE we do incorporate investigations to enrich the syllabus along with entering all students for the Junior Mathematical Challenge competition. Apart from being fun, the preparation for this competition is excellent for improving everyone’s problem solving skills.
Year 9 Calculators
From Year 9 upwards the Ti84+ Graphical Display Calculator is strongly recommended. Its use is integrated into the lessons, showing students both how to use it efficiently as well as making them aw
are of the pitfalls of over-reliance on technology.
Unlike other subjects Mathematics is setted. In September pupils are placed into initial sets based on a number of factors with all classes covering the same material. Before the end of term however we give a comprehensive test to reset for the start of the Lent term. Obviously nothing is set in stone and we do constantly monitor everyone’s progress and will make set adjustments after end of year exams. If set movements take place at any other times then parents will always be consulted. It is in year 9 that we start the IGCSE course. By taking three years to cover the syllabus, this allows plenty of time to extend and enrich our lessons, so that by the Sixth Form we have produced very capable and enthusiastic mathematicians.
Years 10 & 11
All our pupils take the Edexcel IGCSE examination at the end of year 11 (when some may also take Additional Mathematics). Our aim in the department is one of enrichment, with the vast majority of our pupils studying extension work in addition to the topics found on the IGCSE syllabus. This additional material allows pupils to enjoy many varied areas of Mathematics and certainly better prepares them for studying the IB in the Sixth Form.
The Sixth Form
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for the International Baccalaureate and there are three different courses that you can take. The Higher Level course is for very strong mathematicians. At Standard Level there is a choice between two courses; one is simply called Standard Level while the other is called Studies Standard Level. Studies Standard Level is for the non specialist while the “Standard Level” course is as rigorous as the Higher course but only covers approximately half the material of the Higher course. All three include pieces of portfolio/project work which are spread out over the two years.
Click here to see examination results