Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School
Mathematics Department
Staffing
Mr A Kwasnica – Assistant Headteacher
Mrs K Deval Barham – Acting Head of Department
Mrs S Mansell – Key Stage 3 Coordinator
Mr N Hamblion
Miss N Ingram
Mr P Thompson
Mrs E Bayliss
Miss C Attiwell
Mrs B Appleby
Mr C Turner
The Mathematics Department is staffed by well-qualified, experienced staff, all of whom are
prepared to help students outside of class when necessary.
The Department is well-known for the enthusiasm of the staff for the subject and their
knowledge of mathematics beyond the school curriculum which enables them to add that
extra dimension to lessons.
Examination Results
GCSE
All Year 11 students are expected to take Edexcel GCSE Mathematics. In the Summer 2014
examination session, 77% gained a grade C or above – and this is typical.
A Level
In the same examination session 75% of our Year 13 pupils gained an A grade in
Mathematics. The Maths department is staffed by subject specialists who share their passion
for mathematics with their pupils and offer guidance on mathematics related degree courses
and careers involving the application of mathematics.
Content
Key Stage 3
Students follow the Oxford MathLinks scheme, using one of three differentiated textbooks in
each year. These are designed to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum, the
content of which is summarised below.
3.1 Number and algebra
a. rational numbers, their properties and their different representations
b. rules of arithmetic applied to calculations and manipulations with rational numbers
c. applications of ratio and proportion
d. accuracy and rounding
e. algebra as generalised arithmetic
f. linear equations, formulae, expressions and identities
g. analytical, graphical and numerical methods for solving equations
h. polynomial graphs, sequences and functions
3.2 Geometry and measures
a. properties of 2D and 3D shapes
b. constructions, loci and bearings
c. Pythagoras’ theorem
d. transformations
e. similarity, including the use of scale
f. points, lines and shapes in 2D coordinate systems
g. units, compound measures and conversions
h. perimeters, areas, surface areas and volumes
3.3 Statistics
a. the handling data cycle
b. presentation and analysis of grouped and ungrouped data, including time series and lines
of best fit
c. measures of central tendency and spread
d. experimental and theoretical probabilities, including those based on equally likely
outcomes.
Further details can be found at:
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/q/mathematics%202007%20programme%20
of%20study%20for%20key%20stage%203.pdf
Key Stage 4
Students are prepared for the Edexcel GCSE examinations, using a range of resources that
include one of four differentiated textbooks – Oxford GCSE Maths - in each year. These are
designed to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum, the content of which is
summarised below.
3.1 Number and algebra
a. real numbers, their properties and their different representations
b. rules of arithmetic applied to calculations and manipulations with real numbers, including
standard index form and surds
c. proportional reasoning, direct and inverse proportion, proportional change and
exponential growth
d. upper and lower bounds
e. linear, quadratic and other expressions and equations
f. graphs of exponential and trigonometric functions
g. transformation of functions
h. graphs of simple loci.
3.2 Geometry and measures
a. properties and mensuration of 2D and 3D shapes
b. circle theorems
c. trigonometrical relationships
d. properties and combinations of transformations
e. 3D coordinate systems
f. vectors in two dimensions
g. conversions between measures and compound measures.
3.3 Statistics
a. the handling data cycle
b. presentation and analysis of large sets of grouped and ungrouped data, including box
plots and histograms, lines of best fit and their interpretation
c. measures of central tendency and spread
d. experimental and theoretical probabilities of single and combined events.
Further detail can be found at:
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/q/mathematics%202007%20programme%20
of%20study%20for%20key%20stage%204.pdf
Key Stage 5
Students study Edexcel modules C1, C2 and S1 in Year 12 and modules C3, C4 and M1 in
Year 13.
The “C” modules are “Core” – or Pure Mathematics. This involves algebra, graphs and the
important new topic of calculus. The “S” module is Statistics and builds on the analysis of
data already met at GCSE. The “M” module is Mechanics and covers areas such as moving
particles and forces acting on objects.