Mathematics & Computing

At Winchmore School we follow the National Curriculum when teaching KS3 Mathematics. It is being taught as a 3-year course, the work in year 9 overlaps both KS3 and KS4. The content taught is the same however the type of questioning has become more GCSE style to help prepare students for recent curriculum changes.

In addition to the basic equipment we expect student to have with them every lesson:

• Geometry Set (£1.50 from the maths office)
• A Scientific Calculator (£11 on ParentPay) 

Homework is set every week, this can be in either in digital or paper form.

Students are set against ability using in-class assessments, teacher judgement and quality of classwork/homework. Setting takes place at the end of the first half term in year 7. Students are always given the opportunity to move set after every assessment, provided that they show consistent progress, which take place regularly.

 

KEY STAGE 3

At Winchmore school Pupils begin studying GCSE Mathematics in year 9. The course finishes at the end of year 11 where pupils sit the GCSE Mathematics exam.

At Winchmore school the examining body that we use is Edexcel.

The text books that we use are:

• Edexcel GCSE Maths Higher (Oxford) – ISBN 978-0-19-835151-1
• Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation (Oxford) – ISBN 978-0-19-835150-4

KEY STAGE 4

 

Further resources that can be used are:

• Drfrostmaths.co.uk - here students can revise and practice exam style questions and complete homework students will be allocated accounts using their school emails.
• Mathswatch – It consists of mini video clips which demonstrate the method that can be used to answer questions on all topics in the GCSE syllabus. This website consists of mini video clips which demonstrate the method that can be used to answer questions on all topics in the GCSE syllabus. Students can also practice questions and complete homework on here. All pupils have been given their individual logins at the start of the year. If any pupils are unsure of their logins they can see their classroom teachers.

Revision sessions after school for year 11 will begin after the start of the new academic year. This will be run once a week after school from 3pm till 3.45pm. Specific dates and days will be made clear nearer the time.

At KS5 we offer 3 courses

A-Level Maths

A-Level Maths - Exam board: Edexcel

Pure Mathematics

As part of the Pure Mathematics Modules at AS and Advanced GCE you will be extending your knowledge of such topics as algebra and trigonometry as well as learning some brand new ideas such as calculus. If you enjoyed the challenge of problem solving at GCSE using such mathematical techniques, then you should find the prospect of this course very appealing. Although many of the ideas you will meet in pure mathematics are interesting in their own right, they also serve as a core foundation for other branches of mathematics, especially mechanics and statistics.

Applied Mathematics

In the Mechanics Module you will learn how to mathematically describe the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them, from cars in the street to satellites revolving around a planet. You will learn the technique of mathematical modeling; that is, of turning a complicated physical problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematical methods. Many of the ideas you will meet in the course form an almost essential introduction to such important modern fields of study as cybernetics, robotics, biomechanics and sports science, as well as the more traditional areas of engineering and physics.

In statistics you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions about it. You will extend the range of probability problems that you started for GCSE by using the new mathematical techniques studied on the pure mathematics course. If you study three units of statistics you will apply some of the statistical ideas of the course by doing some assessed practical work. Many of the ideas you will meet in the course have applications in a wide range of other fields - from assessing what your car insurance is going to cost to the likelihood of the earth being hit by a comet in the next few years.

 

Further Mathematics 

A-Level Further Maths - Exam board: Edexcel

A level Further Mathematics:

When studying Further Mathematics GCE you will extend the knowledge gained in Mathematics A level. However, this is offered as a second qualification, and it cannot be taken as a standalone subject. You will receive two separate grades for them. You will be expected to complete the whole Mathematics course in year 12 and the whole of the Further Mathematics course in year 13. Sufficient hours will be allocated to your timetable to allow this.  

Here you will have an opportunity to study Further Mechanics and Further Statistics, which builds on what you have learnt in A level. Please see the above section for more details on this. You may also have the opportunity  to complete a module on Decision Maths. This includes the study of: algorithms, linear programming, graphs and networks and critical path analysis. We also offer Further Pure. However, this is only taught when there is a high demand for it.

This is particularly useful if you want to study Mathematics at a higher level or if you are interested in a career in the following areas, amongst many others: Bioinformatics, Statistician, Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, Economics and Quantitative analysis.

Core Mathematics (Known as Mathematical Studies)

Core Mathematics (Level 3 Qualification) Exam board AQA:

Level 3 mathematical studies is a one-year course for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics, but don't want to study it at A level of Mathematics. We focus on financial Mathematics including the cost of borrowing and taxation, modelling and estimation, critically analysing data and its representation in the media and statistical techniques.

It supports students wishing to study humanities subjects such as geography, sociology and psychology at university and also students who would like to broaden their knowledge of Mathematics before embarking on their chosen career.

There are 2 exams at the end of the course in June for which preliminary information about a specific question in each paper is released in early spring.

 

KEY STAGE 5 AS LEVEL MATHS 

KEY STAGE 5 A LEVEL 

KEY STAGE 5 FUTHER MATHS

LEVEL 3 OVERVIEW

 

The KS3 Computing curriculum is varied and engaging, designed to enhance students' digital literacy and foster creativity. Pupils develop a wide range of skills, including Python programming, iMedia techniques, and Computer fundamentals. They also work with a variety of software tools, such as Flowol, Wix, and Photoshop, building their problem-solving abilities while exploring real-world applications. To enrich their learning experience, we aim to provide workshops and trips, such as website creation projects, to inspire and challenge them.

KEY STAGE 3

The GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

 

KS4 GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Interactive Media is designed for learners who want an introduction to interactive media that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the interactive media sector or progress onto further study.

 

KS4 NCFE LEVEL1/2 INTERACTIVE MEDIA

The Cambridge Technicals in Level 2  IT provides students with essential knowledge and skills in IT and cybersecurity. A wide range of units and opportunities for practical and project-based work helps students gain an insight into technological change, global IT infrastructure and legal and security considerations.

 

KS5 LEVEL 2 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Cambridge Technicals in Level 3 IT allow students to gain an insight into IT and cybersecurity. A wide range of units and pathways provide students with practical and project-based opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in areas such as infrastructure, application development and data analysis.

KS5 LEVEL 3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Computing is concerned with both computers and computer systems – how they work and how they are designed, constructed, and used. The study of computing encompasses programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and the underlying science of information and computation. The influence of computing has been profound in shaping the world in which we now live. The use of technology is almost universal among UK businesses, and increasingly businesses are adopting strategic technologies to deliver new opportunities.

 

KEY STAGE 5 COMPUTER SCIENCE