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Mathematics

Mathematics

Staff: Mr Robinson (Vice Principal & Head of Department)
          Mrs Fitzpatrick
          Mrs Hanna

          Miss A Bready

Key Stage 3

Pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 study a wide range of topics in the areas of:

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Shape, Space and Measures
  • Handling data.

Pupils experience a variety of teaching methods within the classroom setting which include the use of ICT, group work, whole class teaching, co-operative problem solving and active learning tasks and activities.

Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and competence during their lessons and are given opportunities to develop a keen interest and enjoyment for the subject.

Key Stage 4 - GCSE Mathematics

At Key Stage 4 the majority of pupils are entered for CCEA GCSE Maths.

For further details on the course structure and specification please follow the links below

https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-mathematics-2017 

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCSE/GCSE%20Mathematics%20%20%282017%29/GCSE%20Mathematics%20%20%282017%29-specification-Standard.pdf 

There are 2 tiers of entry – Foundation and Higher

Each pupil is entered for the tier which is considered to be the best suitable for their ability. At the end of Year 11 pupils sit their first module M2 (foundation) or M3 (higher) which contributes to 45% of their final grade. The second and final module is examined at the end of Year 12; M6 (foundation), M7 (higher) or M8 (higher) which contributes to 55% of their final grade

Progress and achievement is carefully monitored throughout the course and, where necessary some pupils are encouraged to change tier in order to maximize their chance of achieving their best possible grade.

Essential Skills

For some pupils GCSE is considered too difficult, however the department believes it is important to allow all pupils in Year 11 to attempt a GCSE module. Subsequent to these results some pupils will then follow the pathway of Essential Skills Level 1 in Year 12. Throughout Year 12, those who are successful at Level 1 will have the opportunity to sit a Level 2 paper. This course is provided by a local examination board, Open College Network (OCN). 

For further details on the course structure and specification please follow the links below

https://www.ocnni.org.uk/essential-skills/application-of-number/ 

GCSE Further Mathematics

The CCEA GCSE Further Mathematics specification encourages students to extend their mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding. It gives them opportunities to select and apply mathematical techniques and methods to everyday situations.

Students design mathematical models that allow them to use problem-solving strategies and apply a broad range of mathematics to different situations.

There are no other GCSE specifications in the UK comparable to this one. The specification exceeds the level of challenge offered by GCSE Mathematics qualifications in England and our GCSE Mathematics (Higher Tier).

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Mathematics and Numeracy Area of Learning.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment before the end of the course.

At Rathfriland High School pupils will complete the following units;

  • Unit 1: Pure Mathematics (completed at end of Year 11 - 50%)
  • Unit 2: Mechanics (completed at end of Year 12 - 25%)
  • Unit 3: Statistics (completed at end of Year 12 - 25%)

For further details on the course structure and specification please follow the links below

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCSE/GCSE%20Further%20Mathematics%20%282017%29/GCSE%20Further%20Mathematics%20%282017%29-specification-Standard_1.pdf