Mathematics
As you are probably aware the new Mathematics Curriculum is
considerably more complex than the old one. Most of the
questions are in context and have a real twist to them. It is
therefore more important than ever that all students’ numeracy
skills are really solid, so that it is not something they need to
worry about in the exam itself. We are working hard with all
students to help with this and so even our most able students
will be revisiting their basic numeracy in class and looking at
using these skills in more of a problem solving manner. It would
be great if you could help with this. If you have any questions,
please do get in touch.
Year 7
Year 7 students will be having another examination in the New Year. They can then use their last paper and
homework sheets to revise. You should receive your child’s exam paper home shortly after the
examination. This will help both staff and the students identify the areas of focus in the coming term.
Students should work on these at home in preparation for their next exam which will take place in the sum-
mer term. We have reshuffled the groups where necessary and students have been told if they are to move.
We will continue to review the setting each term so the next set of moves will take place after Easter. If you
have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
There is help available for all students in Ma4 every Wednesday after school. Some excellent 10 Minute
test books are available for £2 for students who would benefit from regular practice of their maths
skills.
Year 8
The second assessment for all year 8 students is in
January. They will bring the paper home shortly after this,
along with their analysis of it, and I hope that they will then
work hard to improve the areas identified. All students will
have another examination in the summer term. They can
then use their last 2 papers and their homework sheets to
help them to revise. If you have any concerns or
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
There is help available for all Year 8 students in Ma4
every Wednesday after school. Some excellent mental
arithmetic books are available for £3.00 for students
who would benefit from regular practice of their maths
skills.
Year 9
The second assessment for all Year 9 students will be in January. They will then bring the paper home
along with their analysis of it. Several students are now attempting the Higher Tier examinations. These
are considerably more difficult but some students are taking one look at the paper and giving up. We are
working hard with students to encourage them to always have a go and show all of their working out. We
would appreciate it if you could reinforce this message at home. If you have any concerns or questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me. The final assessment for Year 9 will be in the summer term.
There is help available in Ma4 every Wednesday after school. Some excellent mental arithmetic books are
available for £3.00 for students who would benefit from regular practice of their maths skills.