To Infinity and Beyond

Buzz Lightyear

Welcome

The Math's department prides itself on being innovative and forward thinking. The teaching staff has a wealth of experience within teaching and other employment. They bring to lessons their practical experience to highlight the relevance of mathematics in either Further Education, the world of employment and everyday life. Their experience ranges from engineering in the aerospace industry, construction and rural business. Maths education does not stop at GTS and the department is always willing to guide and support pupils with decisions over there post 16 options whether A levels or vocational courses.

Use of ICT

The use of ICT is a crucial part of teaching in the Maths department and each teaching room is equipped with an interactive whiteboard. The school has a range of Maths specific software which is used for both demonstration and pupil use. Both dynamic geometry and graphing packages are used widely.

The department has its own small computer suite where pupils are able to do their own research and reinforce work covered in class. Alternatively all teachers have access to the school ICT suites for whole class activities.

Classes

Maths teaching is targeted at all levels and abilities.

Year 7 are taught in mixed ability groups with differentiated challenges delivered within the class. There is a nurture group for students with special needs and from September 2008 there will be an express group of more able students. Following assessment both by written tests and teacher assessment, pupils are setted from year 8 through the rest of the school. This then allows resources to be targeted closely to match pupils' needs and potential. However setting is flexible and with regular assessment pupils move between sets if they are exceeding expectations and would benefit from higher level work, or they are finding work challenging.

A two tier entry at GCSE now gives a potential grade C for all pupils. Pupils are entered for the tier which will maximize their opportunities. An entry level qualification is offered and functional skills are being trialled during 2008.

Gifted and Talented

Pupils recognized as gifted and talented in year 7 have been given the opportunity to extend their understanding of Maths with a number of Maths specific days where they have been able to investigate a range of Maths topics.

Extension

Pupils in set 1 in year 10 and 11 have been considered for entry for an Additional Maths GCSE. Pupils have been interviewed for this set as a commitment to Maths is key to success at this higher level. Following the success of this group over the past two years pupils from year 8 and 9 have been working towards extending their knowledge, with small groups being given accelerated study. This intervention has been very successful and early entry at GCSE is being considered for those showing real potential.

Booster

The Maths department has taken an active role in the school initiative to support and help the development of a small group of pupils in year 7. Over the last two years, pupils with key stage 2 SATS results of 3 or less have been considered for this targeted group. Teaching in this group is then carefully aimed at pupils preferred learning styles; visual, kinesthetic etc. The emphasis in this group is to develop numeracy skills so that pupils can achieve success in more complex Maths topics studied through the rest of their school career. The Department uses an individual learning package called Success Maker which is able to assess pupil's progression and tailor work to support them.

Links with the science department have been enhanced this year where this group has been taught maths and science by the same teacher. This has been very successful with studies in both subjects complimenting each other.