Mathematics at Helenswood School
------------------------ Helenswood Grand Prix ------------------------
Helenswood School hosted this years Primary School Maths in Motion Challenge, which is a computer based Grand prix simulation.
This year it was the Abu Dhabi Marina race track and after a day working out engine performance, speeds, pit stop strategy - a very competitive race took place.
The winning school was St Pauls C of E Primary School with All Saints C of E Junior School second and Hollington Primary School third.
Well done and congratulations to you all.
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Key Stage 3 Mathematics
Our aim is that all students should be mathematically confident and able to gain success and satisfaction. They should develop a systematic way of working and an enquiring mind. Students should learn to work independently and co-operatively and be prepared for using mathematics in everyday life. We are proud of our consistently good results at all 3 key stages and find many of our students enjoy their lessons.
As a department we try to cater for the needs of all students. Those students who have special needs are encouraged to gain success with extra help available. We do, however, aim to extend the abilities of every girl and many opt for A/S and A level in our sixth form. Several former students are studying for mathematics or mathematics related degrees.
In the classroom students work in a variety of ways-answering questions from whiteboard/texts/worksheets, participating in group activities and discussions, using computer activities and experiencing investigative and problem-solving situations. The scheme of work is split into modules ensuring that all students cover the national curriculum topics: number and algebra, shape and space, handling data and mathematical processes and applications.
GCSE MATHEMATICS
We are proud of our consistently good results at GCSE. At the top end we achieve more A* to Cs compared to other local schools and our higher grade passes usually are significantly better than the national average. Most importantly the VALUE ADDED is always very good - this is a measure of PROGRESS of all pupils comparing results with how they performed at earlier ages.
We are often asked what grade can be expected in 2 years time. The following table shows the most likely outcome assuming steady working and what can be achieved with hard work. Of course if a student becomes lazy it can be lower.
| YR 9 SATS LEVEL | MOST LIKELY GCSE GRADE | POSSIBLE WITH HARD WORK |
| 8 | A | A* |
| 7 | B | A |
| 6 | C | B |
| 5 | D | C |
| 4 | F/E | D |
| 3 | G | F/E |
| 2 | U | G |
There have been 2 major changes to assessment recently.
The first piece of good news is that coursework has been scrapped. This gives us more time to prepare you for those final exams. One exam is non-calculator and the other is with a calculator. It is vital to know how to use various functions on a calculator. As different calculators have buttons that work in different ways it is VITAL to have your OWN calculator so that you learn how to use it properly in preparation for exam day. ANY SCIENTIFIC one will do. The cheaper ones are best, as they usually are less complicated. There is no mental test at GCSE.
The other good news is that now there are only 2 tiers of entry it is possible to reach a C grade whichever papers you sit. Pupils with a SATs level of 6 or higher will start on the higher syllabus. Most others will do the foundation, which avoids the most demanding topics, but still covers C grade topics. We use the EDEXCEL syllabus, which is the most popular. If you want full details click on the link below to view the 1380 syllabus.
Click here for the 1380 syllabus
Many topics at GCSE will already be familiar to students. As we cover each topic we will review what has been taught in the past and then extend student knowledge by doing more demanding questions. Some topics will be totally new of course. In order to be confident it is vital to move at an appropriate pace starting with easier work and gradually making it harder.
There will be a formal test 5 times in year 10 so that we can see if students are on course to meet their likely grades. Classes are set and movement between groups is possible if the pace of the work is either too slow or too fast.
Your teachers are here to help you. If you are having problems understanding, or you are been away and are confused or you need help preparing for the next test then do not panic as help is available. Mr Smith is available at lunchtimes for extra help and other teachers often put on extra sessions- especially before assessments.
A few useful tips to be a good GCSE Mathematics student:
• Have correct equipment-pen, pencil, ruler, calculator, protractor and compass
• Settle quickly when you arrive in the room and get stuck in to the starter
• Do homework on time so that you do not get behind
• Develop the habit of looking back in your book in order to remember methods
• Always show your workings-more marks are given for workings than answers
• If in doubt - ASK
