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Mathematics

DEPARTMENT AIMS

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We aim to:

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  • develop each pupil to their maximum mathematical potential and to stimulate them to enjoy the attainment of mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills.

  • provide each pupil with the requisite knowledge and skills for examination success and for everyday life

  • promote conditions in which pupils can develop as individuals

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OUR STAFF

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Mrs J Convery (Head of Mathematics)
 

Mrs H Rankin (Assistant to the Head of Mathematics)
 

Mrs Z Strange
 

Mrs A Patterson
 

Mr D Hodges
 

Mr R McQuillan

MATHS AT KS3

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In Years 8-10 all pupils follow the NI Curriculum in five unstreamed groups (in their form class). Year 8 pupils have 5 lessons per week and there are 4 lessons per week in Year 9 and Year 10.

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Number & Algebra, Shape, Space & Measure and Data Handling are the main areas of focus for Key Stage 3.

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Significant time is spent in year 8 reinforcing and building on work from primary school, while the rest of Key Stage 3 can be seen as laying the foundation for success at GCSE level. Pupils learn how to carry out calculations, with and without the aid of a calculator, to think logically and to apply their knowledge in practical situations

MATHS AT GCSE

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Pupils in Dalriada study the CCEA GCSE Mathematics course.

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In year 11 and 12 we have 6 teaching groups.

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4 of the classes have 4 periods per week and sit one examination in year 11 (45%) and one examination in Year 12 (55%) to complete their qualification.

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The other 2 classes have 8 periods per week and complete their GCSE Mathematics in year 11. In year 12 they study GCSE Further Mathematics.

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Results at GCSE are excellent. Pupils consistently achieve 100% A*-C (with approximately 70% of these A/A* grades – well above the NI average) and the combination of modules chosen for each pupil is designed to maximise their achievement in this subject.

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Further details on the course content can be found here: https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-mathematics-2017

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Useful revision materials can be found here: https://corbettmaths.com/

MATHS AT SIXTH FORM

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Mathematics is a demanding and intensive post-16 choice but remains a very popular subject in sixth form at Dalriada.

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The entrance criteria for Mathematics at Sixth Form is a minimum of a grade A in GCSE Mathematics (having studied CCEA M4/M8 or equivalent) plus a grade B (or above) in GCSE Further Mathematics (if this course has been studied).

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Results at A Level Mathematics are excellent. On average 50% of grades achieved are A or A*.

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We follow the CCEA Mathematics specification which consists of 4 modules over the 2-year course.

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Pupils study Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics – more details are available here: https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-mathematics-2018

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OTHER INFO

 

EXTRA CURRICULAR
 

Dalriada school has a history of success in the UK-wide Maths Challenges organised by the UK Mathematics Trust at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level.

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Other events in the Mathematics Department Calendar include a Year 8 Maths Trail, celebrating NSPCC Number Day, NI Team Maths Challenge and an annual photography competition.

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The Mathematics Department also regularly set informal Maths Challenges to enhance the mathematical experiences of our pupils. Entries are encouraged from pupils of all year groups.

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There is a weekly ‘Maths Clinic’ to offer support to year 11-14 pupils who want additional practice or who are having difficulty with a particular topic. In addition, the Mathematics Department offer ‘Peer mentoring’ for Numeracy, which involves Sixth Form pupils offering assistance to our junior pupils.

 

CAREERS

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Mathematics qualifications are highly desirable and often essential for employment.

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In Mathematics pupils learn to problem solve and to think logically, how to deal with money and to analyse statistics – these are transferable skills required in most sectors of employment.

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Opportunities for mathematicians exist in finance, engineering, medicine, education, business, construction, computing…to name but a few!

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