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Mathematics with Financial Capabilities

Lockdown Number Hunt

Department Staff

Mr S Cowden (Head of Mathematics and Numeracy)

Mrs F Jess

Mr S McKeag

Mr M McKee

Mathematics at Nendrum College

In Nendrum College, all junior school students follow the KS3 Northern Ireland Curriculum Programme of Study. Department members use a range of teaching pedagogy to deliver the following key areas:

Number
Algebra
Shape, Space and Measure
Handling Data
Using and Applying Mathematics in Financial Contexts

We teach Mathematics because it is an enjoyable intellectual activity and because it makes a major contribution to other subjects. Pupils need to see the use of Mathematics in everyday life such as managing budgets, DIY tasks, understanding statistical and graphical data and many other aspects of life in the home or in adulthood. Mathematics can also contribute significantly to the development of pupils’ general skills and qualities such as communication, reasoning, problem solving, perseverance and creativity. It is a vehicle for development of general skills and personal qualities.

Homework is set on a weekly basis at intervals directed by the College Homework Timetable. Attainment is continually assessed through end of unit tests, Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) and formal examinations at Christmas and summer.

We believe that all students learn in different ways, at different paces and have different strengths and weakness. As a Department, we strive to create a learning environment which challenges and supports all our pupils. We will do this by providing opportunities for pupils to:

• Enjoy learning maths

• Experience a variety of learning activities

• Talk about/explain the maths they are learning

• Work with others in pair and group tasks

• Learn maths concepts in contexts relevant to their experience

• Transfer their learning in different contexts

• Develop their thinking skills and personal capabilities (TSPCs)

• Become actively involved in and take responsibility for their own learning

• Experience success; and

• Learn how to reflect on and assess their own learning.

GCSE

Pupils will be entered for the CCEA GCSE Examination at an appropriate level depending on the ability they have demonstrated throughout the two year course. This course consists of two external examinations: a module exam (45%) and a final examination worth (55%). Pupils will sit the module exam in June of Year 11 and the final completion examination at the end of Year 12. There is no controlled assessment for GCSE Mathematics.

Currently all students in Year 12 have the opportunity to avail of exam support workshops after school in preparation for their forthcoming GCSE examinations. They begin at 3.05pm and continue until 4.00pm.

Some students take up the opportunity to also complete OCN NI Essential Skills in Application of Number (at either Level 1 or Level 2). This is completed in Year 12 after discussion with the class teacher and Head of Department.

Independent Study Resources

In the event of a school closure, students will find resources for independent study here.

Pupils have been issued with a username and password to access these resources. If you need a copy of this information, please contact Mr Cowden by sending a private message through the Nendrum College PTA Facebook page.

Generic information to support GCSE students can be found by following the link below.