Mathematics is taught as a core subject throughout both Key Stages at The Swinton High School.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) pupils follow a scheme of work designed to prepare them to achieve at their highest level in the national SAT examinations. Pupils use the CONNECT MATHS books throughout Key Stage 3.
In each year pupils are set in Mathematics according to ability and potential achievement and each year pupils regularly achieve at a higher level than national targets dictate. Each pupil is challenged to strive to achieve and their work is regularly monitored by faculty staff. In recent years the Mathematics Faculty has enjoyed growing success at KS3 with results at least 75 % Level 5 and above. The faculty is well staffed and boasts excellent resources and facilities.
Pupils joining The Swinton High School can expect exciting interactive teaching, dedicated resources, a newly assigned suite of mathematics rooms as well as staff committment to success that is second to none.
Able, Gifted and Talented pupils may automatically be entered for the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Mathematics challenge. A national challenge with Gold, Silver and Bronze certification.
Some of our Y7 and Y8 A, G & T pupils regularly take part in Advanced Maths Centres which are a special provision by Local Authority designed to challenge and stimulate children with a particular talent in mathematics. They raise the pupils’ expectations and provide an environment for high-level thinking. The course includes a range of activities such as group work, challenging games, problem solving, quizzes and ICT.
We also enrol some of our A, G & T pupils in Y9 for the World Class Tests. The tests are aimed at pupils in the top 10 per cent ability range in mathematics and/or problem solving. Each test consists of a paper-based and a computer-based component.
At Key Stage 4, all pupils are now entered for the AQA modular GCSE examination in Mathematics. This represents a change from past practice and is destined to raise achievement even further for our pupils. Pupils commence GCSE immediately following the end of their SAT examination and complete three main units over the next two years. The GCSE is split into 3 modular examinations and these take place in November and March of Year 10 and the following June of Year 11. Though we doubt it will be necessary, pupils are also able to resit the first two modular exams and achieve even higher grades. The department has had its highest grades A*-C this year.
In June 2008, most pupils were entered in Statistics GCSE. This has been made possible by an excellent combination of new resources and staffing levels. The result of this initiative will be that all pupils should leave us, not only as competent young mathematicians but also with an additional much sought after qualification. In this way, by choosing The Swinton High School for your child’s education you are ensuring that they have an education that is envied by many, but also that is desired by both college and industry alike.