Maths
Welcome to Canon Lee Mathematics department. The department has seven subject specialists committed to teach Maths so that all students are confident about their learning and achieve their best. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards as well as having access to a good range of additional resources.
Examination results have continued to improve, with 2007 being particularly good:
• In Y11 59% of students achieved GCSE grades A* - C
• Achievements in Y9 - 71% achieved L5+, 51% achieved L6+ , 28% achieved L7+ and 6% achieved L8
A scientific calculator is an essential tool at KS3 and KS4 with students becoming increasingly more able to use its' more complex functions.
Maths is no longer taught in the way that mums and dads were used to. We now have three part lessons with:
• a starter - to warm up the brain
• a main course - the main part of the lesson where most learning takes place
• a plenary - to sum up and reinforce the main part of the lesson.
Games and puzzles which improve thinking skills, problem solving, communication and mental arithmetic are used as starter activities. Personal whiteboards promote confidence with a new topic as mistakes can be rubbed out.
In Y9 and Y11, prior to SATs and GCSE exams, students are given the opportunity to attend after school revision classes where examination technique can be refined and specific problems/areas of concern addressed.
At Key Stage 3 the department follows the ‘New National Framework' which is enhanced by the addition of other resources. All students are taught in ability sets, broadly based on their achievement the previous year and are set a realistic but challenging target each year. Students are assessed in a veriety of ways using ‘Assessment for Learning' techniques and written assessments . They become increasingly aware of what is needed to reach the next level.
At Key Stage 4 we follow the Edexcel board with the new linear two tier option:
• Higher tier - graded A* - D
• Foundation tier - graded C - G
Students are again assessed in a veriety of ways using ‘Assessment for Learning' techniques and written assessments which are based on past GCSE examination questions, providing them with the opportunity to practice and develop their exam technique before they are assessed externally.
At the end of Y11 students will sit two examinations:
• Paper 1 - answer all questions without the use of a calculator
• Paper 2 - answer all questions, the use of a scientific calculator is essential if they are to achieve their best
Current Y11 will be the last cohort to complete coursework during lesson time. From 2009 this element of the course will be assessed, at the end of Y11, as part of the written examination.