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Mathematics
Our approach to teaching mathematics at Lancaster Grammar School is rooted in curiosity, challenge, and clarity. We believe that every student can succeed in and enjoy maths when given the right tools, support, and inspiration. From Year 7 through to Sixth Form, our curriculum is designed to build deep understanding, foster logical thinking, and develop problem-solving skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Lessons are engaging and interactive; our specialist teachers use guided examples to build understanding and make excellent use of the students’ individual devices to provide immediate feedback and plenty of opportunity to practice at your own pace and level of challenge. We encourage students to explore patterns, question assumptions, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
We offer three course in the 6th form; Maths A-Level, Further Maths A-Level and also Level 3 Core Maths as an enrichment opportunity in Year 12 only. Every student has the chance to take part in the UKMT Maths Challenges, and we also offer lunchtime support sessions, opportunities to take part in the Maths Olympiads and trips to attend the Maths Inspiration lectures and Maths Feast competitions.
Key Stage 3
Course Overview
In Key Stage 3, students build on their fundamental knowledge from primary school and extend their understanding across the four key areas of Number, Algebra, Shape and Data. Teachers will support students to develop not just their mathematical fluency but also their problem-solving skills. We cover a wide range of topics including the application of mathematics to real world contexts such as finance. All year 7&8 students take part in the national Junior Maths Challenge each year.
What can I do to support my child?
Weekly homework is completed through SPARX Maths, which is an online programme including support videos. You will receive weekly emails to keep you up to date on their progress on SPARX, please encourage them to complete their homework earlier in the week, so that they can ask their maths teacher for help with anything they are struggling with before the homework is due.
We also have paid subscriptions to the following websites where students can access extra questions and videos to support their learning and revision. ·
There are some fantastic mathematical problem-solving resources which many students would enjoy on the Nrich website:
How will students be assessed?
Students are assessed through termly written tests which summarise the work from the previous four or five units of work. The final assessment of the year is a summative assessment of the whole years work.
We also do fortnightly 15min check in tests which are peer marked in lesson, as a regular way of informing teachers on what support students need on recent work.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: Edexcel Higher Tier Maths (1MA1)
Specification:
Course Overview
The GCSE course builds on all the core knowledge from Key Stage 3 and covers these key areas:
1 Number
2 Algebra
3 Ratio, proportion and rates of change
4 Geometry and measures
5 Probability
6 Statistics
How will students be assessed?
Students will be assessed through three written exams at the end of the course. All three papers are 90 minutes long and worth 80 marks, which are then equally weighted to contribute to one overall grade. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, whereas in papers 2 & 3 calculators are allowed. Any topic can be assessed on any paper.
For their GCSE exams students require a scientific calculator, protractor, compass, ruler and pencil.
We recommend a Casio fx-83GT CW Calculator for GCSE Maths.
Additionally, there will be termly assessments throughout the course to track students' progress and understanding and weekly SPARX homework continues through year 10 & 11.
There are a number of fantastic websites which will support students’ preparation for their Maths exams:
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: Edexcel Mathematics (9MA0)
Specification:
Course Overview
The A-Level Maths course covers Pure, Mechanics and Statistics and supports students to be able to present a mathematical argument, build their problem solving skills and apply mathematics to real world contexts through extending their awareness of mathematical modelling.
How will students be assessed?
It is assessed through three papers at the end of the course, which are all 2 hours, worth 100 marks and equally weighted. Formulae books are provided, and calculators are allowed in all three exams.
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Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 |
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Each paper is: 2 hour written examination 33.33% of the qualification 100 marks |
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Content overview:
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Assessment Overview
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| Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics |
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2 hour written examination 33.33% of the qualification 100 marks |
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Content Overview Section A: Statistics
Section B: Mechanics
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Assessment overview
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Further Mathematics
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: Edexcel Mathematics (9FM0)
Specification:
Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics
Course Overview
The Further Maths A-Level must be taken in addition to the normal A-Level Maths course, as it builds upon some of the content whilst also providing a broader range of mathematical ideas. The course covers Pure, Decision and Statistics and extends the same overarching themes of the Maths A-Level: mathematical argument, problem-solving skills and mathematical modelling.
How will students be assessed?
It is assessed through four papers at the end of the course, which are all 90 minutes, worth 75 marks and equally weighted. Formulae books are provided, and calculators are allowed in all three exams.
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Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1 Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2 |
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Each paper is: 1 hour and 30 minutes written examination 25% of the qualification 75 marks |
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Content overview:
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| Further Mathematics Optional Papers | |
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Each paper is: Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 25% of the qualification 75 marks |
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Content Overview Students take two options from the following eight: Option 1 Papers 3A: Further Mathematics 3B: Further Statistics 1 3C: Further Mechanics 1 3D: Decision Mathematics 1 |
Option 2 Papers 4A: Further Mathematics 2 4B: Further Statistics 2 4C: Further Mechanics 2 4D: Decision Mathematics 2 |
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There are restrictions on which papers can be taken together. Students choose a pair of options, either:
This makes a total of ten different option pairs. |
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Assessment overview
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Level 3 Core Mathematics
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: AQA Mathematical Studies (1350)
Specification:
AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies
Course Overview
This is a Year 12 enrichment course for those who don’t want to study a full A-Level in Maths but would like to continue with some mathematics. It covers some useful real world applications of mathematics and is taught within the enrichment block of the timetable in addition to 3 full A-Levels in other subjects.
How will students be assessed?
It is assessed at the end of year 12 through two 90minute exams.
Content Overview:
- 3.1 Analysis of data
- 3.2 Maths for personal finance
- 3.3 Estimation
- 3.4 Critical analysis of given data and models
- 3.8 Critical path and risk analysis
- 3.0 Expectation
- 3.10 Cost benefit analysis