Maths - Assumption Grammar School

maths

"Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers."

- Shakuntala Devi

Overview

Staff

Miss R Lattimer (Head of Department)
Miss Z Cummings
Mrs M McKibben
Mrs A Murphy
Mr P Murphy
Mr D Owens
Miss N Press

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.

Each member of the Mathematics Department in Assumption Grammar School is dedicated to promoting the learning of Mathematics to ensure every pupil is empowered to achieve her full potential. Pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a range of extracurricular activities such as UKMT Mathematics Challenge, quizzes during Maths Week Ireland and after school Homework Club. Senior pupils also have the opportunity to attend lectures at Queen’s University Belfast to enhance their understanding and love of the subject.

KS3

KS3 Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.

The KS3 curriculum covers many areas such as Number, Algebra and Data Handling. Pupils have many opportunities to relate their studies to real life, particularly within the study of Financial capability when investigating different phone plans, mortgages etc.

Lunchtime support, led by our Year 14 pupils, is offered to those who are struggling with aspects of the KS3 course. This ensures every pupils progresses to GCSE study with as much confidence as possible in their own mathematical ability.

GCSE

Examining Board: CCEA

Mathematics

As a compulsory subject, all students must take GCSE Mathematics. Those who have enjoyed Mathematics in Key Stage 3 will continue to find the material on the course interesting. For those who find Mathematics challenging, the option exists in Year 12 to take a less challenging, but still Higher Tier, examination paper. The A* grade is awarded at subject level and depends on the total marks gained upon completion of the M4 and M8 modules.

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GCSE Further Mathematics

Those students who excel in Mathematics are encouraged to study Further Mathematics in Year 12. This course contains a lot of topics which are very interesting but too difficult to include in GCSE Mathematics. It is an excellent introduction to the rigour of advanced Mathematics and students get exposure to areas of Mathematics such as Differential and Integral Calculus and get to see applications of Mathematics to Mechanics and Statistics.

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GCSE Statistics
Students also have the opportunity to study Statistics in Year 12. This course offers opportunities for students to build on the skills and capabilities developed during KS3. It also helps students develop appropriate statistical skills and knowledge to support their GCSE and future A Level studies.

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gcse maths results

A-Level

A Level

Examining Board: CCEA

A Level Mathematics

Mathematics continues to be one of the most popular subjects taken at A-Level at Assumption Grammar School. Students wishing only to take an AS Level qualification need only take the first two papers. A good grade in A-Level Mathematics is highly regarded by employers and universities. It is an excellent course for those who enjoy problem solving in challenging contexts.

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results 4

A Level Further Mathematics

As well as A-Level Mathematics, we offer A Level Further Mathematics which is a two-year course with examinations taken at the end of Year 13 and Year 14. Students wishing only to take an AS Level qualification need only take the first two papers. Naturally it may only be taken in conjunction with A-Level Mathematics but will be taught, and examined, independently of this. Note that many courses in science, engineering, finance, actuary, etc. as well as mathematics prefer applicants to have Further Mathematics to AS Level at least.

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