Academic Departments Mathematics Department
Mathematics Department
The aim of the Mathematics department is to help all pupils understand and appreciate the beauty, as well as the utility, of the subject. Whilst the teaching of mathematics has developed with technological innovations such as graph-plotting software and interactive whiteboards, we are clear that confidence in mathematics must be built on firm foundations of the basics.
The Mathematics Department is one of the largest in the School and we are proud of our strong uptake and excellent results at A level in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. In the Lower School, all sets follow the Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) syllabus and the top two sets follow an Additional Mathematics syllabus in addition to the IGCSE. This gives them an excellent background for pursuing Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A level - as well as extra UCAS points.
Whilst we have many talented Mathematicians, we realize that some pupils find the subject very demanding. As a consequence, sets in the Lower School may be kept to as few as 10 or 12 pupils. In the F Block (Year 9) we also offer an Extra Mathematics option for those who need to reinforce basic arithmetic and algebra skills. Each week there is a ‘clinic’ for anyone needing extra help or reassurance.
A number of pupils are entered each year for national competitions and pupils are able to qualify for the British Mathematical Olympiads.
The Dodgson Society, named after the eminent Old Rugbeian Mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, meets once a term to hear an invited speaker on a mathematical topic.
