Mathematics Department - Secondary

Head of Department: Ms. FIONA GWEN MIRANDA
Email ID: FIONA.M_WIN@gemsedu.com

Department Philosophy:

The ultimate aim of the Mathematics Department is to maximize the mathematical potential of each student, regardless of ability. The department strives to make teaching informative, interesting and inspiring. Specifically, we aim to strengthen and develop mathematical knowledge and skills, develop the ability to think logically, help to understand the relevance and application of mathematics in a real-world context, and help appreciate the power and beauty of mathematics. Equally important is to enable the acquisition of a suitable foundation in the subject in order to facilitate further study in mathematics or related subjects.

Department Facilities / Resources:

Schemes of Work are learning objective driven, distributing practice over time and the main published text to support this are Framework Maths and Nelson Thornes.

 SMILE, 10 TICKS, IGCSE REVISION CLIPS, MATHS TESTBASE,  MIND SPARK  (personalized online programme) and BRING ON THE MATHS (Interactive whiteboard software) resources are also used to deliver the curriculum in a variety of ways.

Key Points from Department Policy:

• DEncourage the use of Mental work to develop and secure pupil’ calculation strategies and rapid recall skills;
• Devote a high proportion of lesson time to direct teaching of whole classes and groups, making judicious use of textbooks, worksheets and ICT resources to support teaching, not replace it;
• Demonstrate, explain and illustrate mathematical ideas, making links between different topics in mathematics and with other subjects;
• Use and give students access to a range of resources, including ICT, to model mathematical ideas and methods;
• Use and expect students to use correct mathematical vocabulary and notation;
• Question students effectively, asking them to demonstrate and explain their methods and reasoning, and exploring reasons for any wrong answers;
• involve students and maintain their interest through appropriate challenging tasks

• Differentiation around work common to all the students in a class, with targeted, positive support to help those who have difficulties with mathematics to keep up with their peers.
• Smooth the transition for students between key stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at School;
• Explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance students’ enjoyment of mathematics.

Assessment Procedure:

 A Topic Monitoring Sheet is used as a continuous formative assessment tool to monitor student’s progress through the curriculum. This sheet is topic specific and will provide invaluable evidence to parents and students for parent consultation events. A Topic Monitoring Test will be set every fortnight.

For Academic Year 2011 – 2012, across the school, we would conduct 3 formal summative assessments. Topics for the tests will be determined on a cumulative basis to ensure progression and to maintain high standards.

National Curriculum Levels are awarded with each assessment to track students’ progress.

Extra-curricular Activities:

• MATHS CLUB
• PARTICIPATION IN MIDDLE EAST SCHOOLS MATHS CHALLENGE AND INTER SCHOOL QUIZ COMPETITION
• CELEBRATING PI DAY AND MATH DAY

Useful Subject-specific websites:

www.mymaths.co.uk

www.extremepapers.ae

www.kutasoftware.com

www.nrich.maths.org.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

www.math-drills.com