Mathematics

Aims

  • To develop numeracy skills.
  • To develop problem solving skills.
  • To encourage logical and independent thinking.
  • To encourage pupils to manage information effectively.
  • To develop a range of communication skills.
  • To develop awareness of financial situations.
  • To develop awareness of Mathematics within real life situations.

Staffing

Mrs McGarvey (Head of Department)
Mrs Murray (Assistant Head of Department)
Mr Hamilton
Miss Humes
Mrs Law
Mrs Lee
Mrs Loder
Mr Robinson

Subject Overview

At Glenlola Collegiate School we aim to encourage, challenge, and inspire our pupils to achieve their best in Mathematics. All members of the department are specialists and use their expertise to develop pupils’ ability to confidently use Mathematics in real life contexts in the outside world.

All pupils at Glenlola Collegiate School study Mathematics throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and we also provide the option of studying GCSE Further Mathematics, A-Level Mathematics and A-Level Further Mathematics. Progress is assessed regularly through classwork, homework, and tracking tests.

Key Stage 3

All pupils in Years 8 to 10 follow courses that conform to the Northern Ireland Curriculum for Key Stage 3 Mathematics. Sparx Maths is used at KS3 to complete weekly Mathematics homework that is tailored to their attainment and working speed.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 we follow CCEA specifications and have classes studying the following pathways:

  • Module M2, M3 or M4 in Year 11 and Module M6, M7 or M8 in Year 12. Modules are selected with the aim of giving pupils the best opportunity to maximise their grade.
  • GCSE Mathematics Modules M4 and M8 completed in Year 11 and GCSE Further Mathematics in Year 12.

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5 we follow CCEA specifications. Year 13 pupils study AS Mathematics which consists of two units – Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Year 14 pupils study A2 Mathematics which again consists of two units – Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Further Mathematics is also an option at A Level. Those who choose to study A Level Further Mathematics will complete AS Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics in Year 13 and A2 Mathematics and A2 Further Mathematics in Year 14.

Career Opportunities

Studying Mathematics helps to develop the critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills that employers value across all job sectors as well as developing financial awareness. All career paths will require a Mathematics GCSE of grade C or above.

Mathematicians and Statisticians are in demand across a range of sectors and employment opportunities are commonly found in:

  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance, Banking and Accountancy Firms
  • Government – Local, Central and Agencies
  • Insurance Companies
  • IT, Business Consultancy and Operational Research Companies
  • Market Research and Marketing Companies
  • Medicine and Health
  • Petroleum and Nuclear Industries
  • Publicly-funded Research Institutes
  • Space Science and Astronomy

These are only some of the many fields open to Mathematics students.