Mathematics with Financial Capabilities
Lockdown Number Hunt
Department Staff
Mr S Cowden BSc PGCE MCCT PGDH
Head of Mathematics and Numeracy
Mrs F Jess, BSc PGCE
Mr S McKeag, BEd
Mr M McKee, BSc PGCE
Mrs K Ramsden
Mr A Duff (Engage Programme)
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.
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. Tiers of entry are decided on an individual basis so ensure success for every student. The GCSE Mathematics 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. Often many Year 12 students take up the opportunity to attempt a higher module in the January of Year 12.
Each year we celebrate the outstanding performance of our pupils as they achieve an A*-B and A*-C pass rate higher than the NI average for non-grammar schools in GCSE Mathematics. A number of students also continue their studies in A'Level Mathematics at local grammar schools.
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.
Home Learning and COVID-19
The Mathematics Department is committed to supporting and ensuring that all students are able to continue with their studies if they are impacted by COVID-19 or illness. All study notes for classes are posted to Google Classroom daily along with instructional videos and practice materials for those students working at home. We also schedule online lessons where necessary.
We are also also participating in the DE supported Engage programme within the Maths Department, which offers small group and 1-1 academic and pastoral support to pupils.
Information to further support and guide GCSE students with independent study at home can be found by following the link below. As always, if parents or students need any advice with this, they should contact their Maths teacher in the first instance.
A Snapshot in Mathematics
