Maths
The Mathematics Department at St Augustine’s Priory believes in the importance of Mathematics as a clear, unambiguous tool in the analysis and communication of ideas and information.
We help our pupils develop knowledge, skills and understanding as well as an appreciation of the beauty of Mathematics.
We recognise that children differ in mathematical ability and we therefore employ a range of strategies to help each girl to attain her full potential.
In the Pre-Preps, girls are taught Mathematics through the Abacus scheme. A range of resources is used to support the teaching and learning of Mathematics. Children also have access to a variety of digital content, which is highly motivating whilst developing their ICT skills.
In the Preps, the girls are taught Mathematics through Power Maths; a whole class mastery programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement and increase confidence in Mathematics for all. Power Maths empowers every child to understand and succeed, encouraging hard work, practice and a willingness to see mistakes as learning tools.
To develop mastery in Mathematics, children need to be enabled to acquire a deep understanding of maths concepts, structures and procedures, step by step. The whole class works on the same content and no child is left behind.
We have a whole week dedicated to Mathematics which includes activities to develop the girls’ problem-solving skills, including a dedicated ‘Puzzle Challenge Day’. We also offer a variety of clubs where children can develop their interest in Mathematics outside of the classroom.
From Year 7 to Year 11 the girls are taught in three or four sets, based on ability. The schemes of work are structured in such a way as to allow for movement between sets.
In addition to internal assessments, an electronic Progress Test in Mathematics (PTM) is taken at the end of Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 to monitor the progress of each year group against national standards.
From Year 7 to Year 8, we follow the Mathematics Enhancement Programme devised by CIMT at the University of Plymouth.
In Year 9 there is a GCSE transition year, in which the girls study topics from the CIMT course but in the depth required for GCSE. The GCSE syllabus is completed during Years 10 and 11.
The two year A Level Mathematics course followed is Edexcel 9MA0.
Further Mathematics is offered for exceptionally talented mathematicians. A level Further Mathematics can be studied at AS level (8FM0) over one year or at A level (9FM0) over two years. It is studied alongside the A level Mathematics course (parallel delivery).
Pupils in Set 1 of each year group have the opportunity to take the UKMT Maths Challenge. This is a national competition at three levels: Junior (Years 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 to 11) and Senior (Years 12-13). Success in this competition can lead to qualification for further European rounds (Kangaroo) or the Maths Olympiad.
Each year several girls from Years 9, 10 and 12 attend a series of Mathematics Masterclasses at the Royal Institution. The participants are introduced to topics which are beyond the scope of the normal school syllabus, and give them an opportunity to broaden their mathematical experience. These sessions are by invitation from UKMT and are based on performance in the Maths Challenges.