Maths

Students currently follow a Key Stage 3 Scheme of Learning which begins in Year 7 and ends halfway through Year 9. This bespoke model is based around the five Big Ideas in Maths at DHFS: Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Probability and Ratio and Proportion. Our curriculum ensures that students encounter a broad range of key mathematical concepts while being allowed sufficient time to explore them in further depth, providing them with a secure base for further study.

Halfway through Year 9, students begin to follow the Key Stage 4 Scheme of Learning, working on the AQA Specification for GCSE Maths (8300), again centred around the five Big Ideas. Students work at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Initially there is overlap between the content of the two tiers to allow students the opportunity to move between them if appropriate. However, as the course progresses, the content diverges, with Foundation Tier students working with the aim of securing up to a Grade 5 and Higher Tier students working on content aimed at Grades 6 to 9.

Halfway through Year 9, students begin to follow the Key Stage 4 Scheme of Learning, working on the AQA Specification for GCSE Maths (8300), again centred around the five Big Ideas. Students work at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Initially there is overlap between the content of the two tiers to allow students the opportunity to move between them if appropriate. However, as the course progresses, the content diverges, with Foundation Tier students working with the aim of securing up to a Grade 5 and Higher Tier students working on content aimed at Grades 6 to 9.

Where appropriate, a small number of students follow a basic numeracy course alongside their GCSE studies leading to an Entry-Level qualification in Maths.

We offer three options of study in post-16 for mathematics:

A-level Mathematics (suitable for students who achieve a 7 or higher at GCSE)
A-level Further Mathematics (suitable for students who achieve an 8 or higher at GCSE)
Level 3 Mathematical Studies (suitable for students who achieve a 5 or higher at GCSE)

A-Level Mathematics

Students follow the Edexcel A-level mathematics course. It is a two year course culminating in three exams at the end of Year 13. An AS level is also offered as a stand-alone qualification at the end of Year 12.

What do you learn on this course?
The course is made up of Pure Mathematics (two thirds of the course) and Applied Mathematics (one third).

Pure mathematics – The course will extend your knowledge of topics such as algebra and trigonometry as well as introduce new subjects like calculus and logarithms. We delve deeper into mathematical concepts and use them to model real-life scenarios.
Applied mathematics is made up of the study of mechanics and statistics.

Mechanics – The study of motion and why things move or don’t move. We delve into some of Isaac Newton’s work in the study of motion and equilibrium.
Statistics – A necessary part of subjects such as economics, biology, business studies and any subject involving research and the interpretation of data. Students learn techniques that allow them to correctly interpret data. A key part of the course will involve manipulating a large data set provided by the Met Office.

How is it assessed?
Assessment will be at the end of Y13 and includes:

2 x 2 hr Pure Maths exams
1 x 2 hr combined Mechanics & Statistics exam
How is the course delivered?
The course consists of 5 one-hour lessons with students expected to complete set work between each lesson. There are progress tests to be completed at the end of every topic (roughly every 3 weeks). A more advanced scientific calculator will be required (details will be circulated at the start of course).

What can I do after this course?
A-level Mathematics is an exceptionally useful A-level, which is a requirement on many courses and is classed as very useful on others. It is classed as a facilitating A-level by the Russell Group. A-level Mathematics is an excellent choice for anyone interested in degrees in mathematics, engineering, science, medicine, business, economics, geology, geography, psychology and computing plus many more. Research shows that employees with an A level in Mathematics earn on average 7% to 11% higher salaries than similar employees who did not take mathematics beyond age 16.

A-Level Further Mathematics

Further mathematics is also an A-level offered using the Edexcel exam board. A-level mathematics must be taken alongside further maths so it is the equivalent of studying two A-levels.

What do you learn on this course?
This course builds on the work done in A-level maths. Pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics are studied in more detail, with various new and useful mathematical ideas being met along the way.

The further modules introduce new topics such as:

complex numbers – finding the square root of negative numbers
matrices
hyperbolic functions
new statistical distributions
elastic collisions
We also continue studying some of the core A-level work in more detail.

How is it assessed?
Exams are taken at the end of year 13 and will involve:

2 x 1.5 hr Pure Maths exams
1 x 1.5 hr Mechanics exam
1 x 1.5 hr Statistics exam
How is the course delivered?
The course runs in conjunction with the A-level Maths course and therefore consists of 10 one hour lessons with students expected to complete set work between each lesson and there are progress tests to be completed at the end of every chapter (roughly every 2 weeks). A-level Mathematics is studied in Y12 with A-level Further Mathematics studied in Y13. All exams are at the end of Y13.

What can I do after this course?
Further Maths is regarded by the Russell group of universities as a facilitating A-Level. It is particularly helpful for any mathematical, engineering or physics-based course. It is also classed as a useful A-Level to have for courses in biochemistry, computing, dentistry, medicine and veterinary science.

What careers would this course be useful for?
Higher Educational qualifications in mathematics are well established qualifications for entry to a wide range of professions. See amsp.org.uk for more information on what you can do after a further maths A-level.

Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

What will I learn on this course?
Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification for students who achieved at least a Grade 5 at GCSE mathematics. You will build on your GCSE mathematics and develop your practical skills, helping you to apply these in work, study or everyday life.

Course content
The primary focus is on ‘practical’ maths and consists of the following:

Analysis of data – understand collecting and sampling data, interpreting and representing data numerically and diagrammatically.
Maths for personal finance – solve problems involving percentages, interest rates, loans, savings, taxation, inflation and currency exchange.
Estimation – develop skills in making fast, rough estimates of quantities which are either difficult or impossible to measure directly
Critical analysis – critically analyse data quoted in media, political campaigns, marketing etc.
Statistical techniques – learn techniques to allow correct interpretation of data
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will be at the end of Y13 and includes:

1 x 1.5 hr paper on data analysis, personal finance, estimation and critical analysis
1 x 1.5 hr paper on statistical techniques
How is this course delivered?
Two one-hour lessons each week throughout Y12 and Y13.

How will these skills help in the future?
Students will have learned new mathematical techniques and concepts that will prepare them for further study and future employment within a broad range of academic, professional, and technical fields.
The course is particularly valuable for students progressing to courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element such as psychology, geography, business-related courses and natural science courses that do not require A/AS level mathematics. Some universities offer reduced grades with a qualification in core mathematics.