Mathematics

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Many people view Mathematics as mere arithmetic; at Francis Holland we seek to show pupils the beauty, creativity, rigour and real world application of this rich and vital subject.

We understand Mathematics not only as a fundamental science, but also an essential tool that is necessary for adults worldwide. We appreciate that many students experience anxiety about Mathematics at some point in their lives, and our approach aims to develop confidence while encouraging pupils to achieve their academic potential. A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities across all years teach students that Mathematics is about so much more than numbers.

Key Stage 3

In line with the requirements of the National Curriculum, pupils work in all four main mathematical areas – number, algebra, geometry, and data handling. The curriculum in Year 7 aims to consolidate and extend knowledge from Year 6, as well as introduces several new topics. In Year 8, these topics are developed further and includes the introduction to topics such as Pythagoras’ Theorem. Open ended problems and investigations are interwoven into lessons to develop problem-solving skills throughout Key Stage 3. Additionally, for the most able class in Year 8 and 9, one lesson a week is devoted purely to enrichment and problem-solving.

GCSE

Pupils start studying for their Mathematics IGCSE qualification in Year 10. Mathematics is compulsory, and all pupils are entered for the higher tier. The final assessment is by two 2 hour papers at the end of Year 11. The IGCSE course is now a rigorous and highly valued qualification which develops mathematical and problems-solving skills, as well as being excellent preparation for further study of Mathematics in Sixth Form.

GCSE – Further Mathematics

Francis Holland is an academic school, and to stretch and challenge our most able girls we offer the opportunity to study Mathematics more deeply by doing an additional GCSE in Further Mathematics (AQA). This is an excellent chance to delve further into the more rigorous side of Mathematics.

A Level

Mathematics is the most popular A level at FHS, with almost half of the Sixth Form choosing to study A level Mathematics. We also have a conisistently good number of girls taking on the challenge of A level Further Mathematics. We are proud of the superb A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics results our girls achieve, and each year a number of students successfully apply for Mathematics or related subjects at top level universities.

We study the Edexcel syllabus for A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics; the department are experienced A Level teachers including members who have significant high-level experience of marking public examinations.

All students from Year 8 are issued with a scientific calculator, and our A Level students use graphic display calculators in lessons and at home. All teachers are confident in the use of technology, and support is available for students to encourage efficient and accurate use of these devices. We have a subscription to Dr Frost, accessible to all students, where they can revise, catch up on absence, or complete homework the teacher has set. Khan Academy and Integral Maths are also used where appropriate.

Support is always available to those that need it, and the department runs three Maths Clinic sessions a week where students can ask for further help with any topic.

The school is heavily involved with in facilitating the learning of Maths beyond the classroom, with students from all years taking part in the annual UKMT Maths Challenges. Students in Years 8-13 are invited to represent the school in Team Challenges, and several girls from Years 7, 9 and 12 take part in the Royal Institution Maths Masterclasses whenever possible. We enter the Team Mathematics Challenge, Year 10 Maths Feast, Senior Team Mathematics Challenge each year – as well as giving our girls the opportunity to compete against FHS Regent’s Park in team varsity competitions.

Previous residential trips by the department have included a regular trip to Florence to explore the huge advances in Mathematics and Science in the renaissance, as well as trips to China and Japan.

Girls are also encouraged to attend lectures by prominent mathematicians; these have previously included a lecture by Simon Singh on Mathematics in The Simpsons, and one by Alex Bellos on Number Theory (including why odd numbers really are odd!).

The department is led by Mr S Taylor. All members of the department are highly qualified and experienced teachers. Their degrees and wider interests include Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics.

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