Dalriada School
Committed to Excellence
Mathematics
DEPARTMENT AIMS
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.
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provide each pupil with the requisite knowledge and skills for examination success and for everyday life
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promote conditions in which pupils can develop as individuals
OUR STAFF
Mrs J Convery (Head of Mathematics)
Mrs H Rankin (Assistant to the Head of Mathematics)
Mrs Z Hunter
Mrs A Patterson
Mr D Hodges
Mr R McQuillan
(Mrs J Convery is currently on a career break.)
MATHS AT KS3
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.
Number & Algebra, Shape, Space & Measure and Data Handling are the main areas of focus for Key Stage 3.
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
Pupils in Dalriada study the CCEA GCSE Mathematics course.
In year 11 and 12 we have 6 teaching groups.
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.
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.
Results at GCSE are excellent. Pupils consistently achieve 100% A*-C (with approximately 70% of these A/A* grades.) and the combination of modules chosen for each pupil is designed to maximise their achievement in this subject.
Further details on the course content can be found here:
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-mathematics-2017
MATHS AT SIXTH FORM
Mathematics is a demanding and intensive post-16 choice, but remains a very popular subject in sixth form at Dalriada.
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).
We follow the CCEA Mathematics specification which consists of 4 modules over the 2 year course.
Pupils study Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics – more details are available here:
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-mathematics-2018
OTHER INFO
COMPETITIONS
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.
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.
We have also been fortunate enough to participate in Numeracy Activities organised through the Ballymoney Learning Community and look forward to the return of these events post-COVID.
CAREERS
Mathematics qualifications are highly desirable and often essential for employment.
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.
Opportunities for mathematicians exist in finance, engineering, medicine, education, business, construction, computing…to name but a few!