The mathematics and computing faculty department aims to develop our students’ ability to solve mathematical and computational problems independently.
In mathematics, this requires them to respond positively to challenge when presented with increasingly complex problems in a variety of contexts. We help students to achieve this by developing higher-order thinking skills such as conjecture, deduction, reasoning and proof. We also require students to be able to articulate their thinking and justify the techniques they have used in their mathematical arguments. In KS3, we place a particular importance on algebraic study, which helps develops the foundations needed in the later years. Students have three lessons a week both in Year 7 and Year 8. In KS4 (which begins in Year 9), students are placed in broad sets according to their performance in assessments throughout Year 8, where they continue to have three lessons a week for all three years. We follow the OCR examination board. In 2019, we were delighted to have 100% achieving grade 5 – 9 and even more impressively have 94% achieve grade 7 – 9. In 2022, 93% achieved grades 7-9 at GCSE.
A large proportion of our Year 11 students also go on to study the further mathematics GCSE with superb results (100% Grades 7-9 in 2022), reflecting not only their mathematical ability but also the drive and motivation of our students.
In the Sixth Form, the department delivers the A-level course also with the Edexcel examination board. Results are excellent with approximately 66% of students attaining Grades A*-A in 2022.
Outside of lessons, students have the opportunity to participate in differing levels of the individual national Mathematics Challenge competitions and also the various national team competitions. Students are supported through weekly lunchtime drop-in sessions where they are given the opportunity for one-to-one tuition, plus there is also a mentoring system in place with older students providing advice and help on a weekly basis. In sixth form we have excellent support for the Sixth Term Examination Papers with students taking weekly preparation sessions. After studying A-level many students go on to study degrees which contain Mathematics as a key element such as mathematics, engineering and economics.
-
Faculty Staff
The faculty comprises a highly experienced team of practitioners, all of whom teach the subject to A-level and many of whom also teach Further Mathematics. Staff have a range of degrees from Maths to Economics. The Head of Faculty, Mr Heighway, has been in post for seven years.
Mr A Heighway Head of Faculty Mrs C Petford Second in Faculty (KS3 Leader) Mr M Ley Teacher of Computer Science Mrs R Patel Teacher of Mathematics (including KS2) Mrs L Roberts Teacher of Mathematics & Computer Science Mrs K Wallace Teacher of Mathematics The nominated link governor to Maths & Computing is Mr Craig Hayward.
-
Faculty Vision / Intent
The Mathematics and Computing Faculty comprises mathematics, further mathematics and computing. Our aim is to work together to create and develop learners who are equipped to succeed in this modern technological world. Throughout their time here they will evolve their mathematical and logical understanding and appreciate the importance of accuracy and rigour. They will enhance their creativity to solve problems be it in a practical environment or in theory. We will help foster their love of STEM subjects by creating a learning environment where students feel appreciated and valued and are given opportunities to thrive.In mathematics, we aim to harness each student’s love and enjoyment of the subject by allowing them frequent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities through such ways as problem solving, paired working and discovery. We want to develop student’s ability to think logically and accurately and to be able to confidently solve problems in unfamiliar contexts and demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas fluently. They will be provided with skills that will not only help them succeed in mathematics but also in other subjects as well as outside the classroom.
In computer science, programming is at the heart of the curriculum, and developed for as many different contexts as it can be facilitated by the technical infrastructure and the time constraints of the school year. It starts off visually in year 7 to develop logic skills but avoid syntax errors, and then builds in sophistication, adding in Python towards the end of KS3, introducing Visual Basic in KS4 and C# in KS5. Pupils will then have received a proper grounding in programming principles which will be able to be used regardless of the platform, much as a driver is able to drive any make of car even though they have controls in different places and perform slightly differently. Vestiges of the old IT curriculum will remain in KS3, so that the students can gain skills in selected applications namely; web authoring, spreadsheets and databases, with very commonly used applications such as Word Processing and Presentation software being used all the time, and advanced tips and tricks introduced as appropriate.
-
Faculty Development Plan 2023-2024
During the academic year 2023-2024, the Faculty will focus on:- Applying Rosenshine's Principles to maximise the impact of assessment and reporting for students, staff and parents in mathematics and computing
- Continuing to develop extra-curricular provision and experiences within mathematics and computing
- Exposing sixth form students to future employment and education opportunities
- Further developing links with local primary schools as part of the FAPP outreach programme (this includes digital leaders and teaching of KS2 maths in our local primaries).
-
Curriculum Sequencing
Please use the links below to access the curriculum sequencing documents:
Curriculum Sequencing KS3-5 Mathematics Curriculum Sequencing KS3-5 Computer Science As well as the curriculum sequencing documents above, at NGHS, we produce a short curriculum summary for each year group. We call these 'Learning Overviews' and the primary audience is for students/parents to know how the curriculum is mapped in a particular year group.
-
Learning Overviews KS3-KS5
Please use the links below to access the Learning Overviews for each key stage:
Learning Overview - Year 7 Mathematics Learning Overview - Year 7 Computer Science
Learning Overview - Year 8 Mathematics
Learning Overview - Year 8 Computer Science Learning Overview - Year 9 Mathematics Learning Overview - Year 9 Computer Science Learning Overview - Year 10 Mathematics Learning Overview - Year 10 Computer Science Learning Overview - Year 11 Mathematics Learning Overview - Year 11 Computer Science Learning Overview - A-level Mathematics Learning Overview - A-level Further Maths Learning Overview - A-level Computer Science -
Examination Board Links
Please use the links below to access the correct external exam board websites for each qualification offered by this faculty:
GCSE
GCSE Mathematics (OCR) GCSE Computing (AQA) A-level
A-level Mathematics (Edexcel from September 2022) A-level Further Maths (Edexcel from September 2022) A-level Computing(AQA) -
Faculty Accommodation
The Faculty is housed in our brand new extension, which opened in January 2022. There are four mathematics classrooms and a new IT suite. There is also another IT suite in the main school building. Each classroom has the latest in interactive teaching technology and this creates a purposeful, enjoyable teaching experience for the faculty staff and students.
The IT suite has 30 student PCs with an interactive television, printer and store room.
-
Wider Opportunities
The faculty is heavily involved in the teaching of maths in KS2. We run a number of Taste of High School days as well as an annual primary maths challenge. In 2022 we also began to offer KS2 IT safety sessions with Y8-10 students leading this.
We offer:
- A visit to Bletchley Park
- Maths challenges with the UKMT
- Year 8 Coding Club including CyberFirst Girls' Competition entry each year
In addition, we run puzzle workshops in Curriculum Enrichment Week and invite guest speakers to talk about careers using mathematics.
In 2023, Year 12 mathematicians visited Warwick University and Liverpool University for STEM related activities.
-
Relevant website links
The Faculty recommends students use the following websites to aid their learning:- Dr Frost Maths (see your teacher for a login)
- My Maths (see your teacher for a login)
- Maths Genie - Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision
- Corbettmaths – Videos, worksheets, 5-a-day and much more