Taught by: Mrs Nabila Elahi BSc (Hons), Syria; MSc, Glasgow; QTS and Miss Farah Elahi BA (Hons), London; 

Mathematics is a universal language and a way of thinking and approaching life. At the macro level we believe that the main goal of teaching mathematics is to equip pupils with the skills of problem solving. Strategies taught in problem solving are used in tackling and solving everyday tasks and problems. At the micro level we have a number of specific aims in mind when teaching mathematics.

Aims & Objectives

• To develop a real interest in mathematics and gain much enjoyment.
• To develop the appreciation of the relevance of mathematics to everyday life.
• To develop the ability to use mathematics in other subjects.
• To develop the ability to think precisely, logically and creatively.
• To develop both independent and co-operative work habits.
• To prepare pupils for success in KS3, SATS and GCSE examinations.

Key Stage 3

All pupils are given the opportunity to develop their potential to the full. To achieve this we endeavour to carry out at the beginning of each academic year a test to determine the National Curriculum level of each pupil and their areas of strength and weakness. The assessment involves a written test and a mental arithmetic test. The results are used to set individual targets for the pupil, both short term and long term, and help the teacher to monitor progress and give constructive feedback to pupils and parents.

At IGS the teaching approach encourages:

• Whole class interactive teaching, including pupils working at the board.
• Mental maths skills which are inclusive for all levels.
• Correct, precise and orderly spoken and written mathematics.
• More whole class progression including all pupils regardless of ability
• Homework to be used as an integral part of learning.

All students enter the school in year 7 having achieved level 4 or 5 in Mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2 SATs taken in their primary school. The teaching programme for Key Stage 3 builds on these foundations, to try to ensure that in Year 9 the vast majority of pupils, if not all, are within the attainment range of Levels 6 to 8.

In each year, we ensure that there is sufficient consolidation of prior knowledge, whilst at the same time comprehensively covering material at the next level of attainment. There is also some introduction of advanced concepts in order to stretch and challenge students with an aptitude for mathematics. The table below summarises this approach.

This teaching programme corresponds to the recommendation of the national strategy framework objective for pupils at Key Stage 3.

Year 7 & 8

In year 7 pupils are asked to obtain their own mathematical instruments (protractors, compass, calculators, etc) for use throughout their school life. The department issues exercise books for class work and homework. Neatness and accuracy is emphasised strongly in this year.

Homework is set regularly, at least once a week. All homework is seen and marked by the teacher at least once per fortnight with appropriate feedback and recording of marks.
Considerable stress is laid on teaching, improving and maintaining basic standard skills of numeracy. Mental starters are used regularly to reinforce the various numeracy skills.
Calculators are discouraged in year 7 so as not to lose the numeracy skills gained. If necessary, extra classes are arranged for less able pupils to raise their level to NC level 5.

Resources:

Maths Frameworking year 7 & 8 Pupil Book 3

Prepared worksheets from different resources.

Year 9

All students are entered for Key Stage 3 SAT tests at either level 5-7 tier or 6-8 tier, according to their ability. A significant percentage of the class regularly achieves the top Level 8.

Resources:

GCSE Maths 2 tier-higher for Edexcel A Collins
Prepared sheets and past exam papers

Key Stage 4

At Islamia Girls’ School we follow the Edexcel linear mathematics syllabus 1380, which is completely exam based, without any coursework element.
All pupils are prepared to enter for the GCSE exam in Year 11 at the Higher tier.

Year 10

We aim to cover two-thirds of the Higher syllabus, in order to allow plenty of time for revision in year 11.

Year 11

We try to complete 90% of the study programme before the mock examination in January. The mock examination results are then used as a springboard for planning the revision programme for the GCSEs in June.

All pupils pass the GCSE at grade C or higher, with the vast majority achieving excellent grades.

Resources

GCSE Maths 2 tier-higher for Edexcel A Collins
Prepared sheets. Past exam papers and other text books from different publishers.