Department Profile
Mr S Ajmal BSc (Hons.) NPQH - Head of Mathematics
Mrs C Jones BSc (Hons.) - Deputy Head of Mathematics
Rev M R Gajdus MA (Oxon)
Miss J Hawes BSc (Hons.)
Mr D Hubbard BA (Hons.) (Oxon)
Mr E Neighbour BSc (Hons.) NPQH - Senior Leadership Team
The Mathematics Department at Slough Grammar School will provide for all students' mathematical experiences through spiritual, moral, cultural and social contexts – irrespective of their background, ability, sex or race. These experiences should help the students to acquire the mathematical skills and understanding they need as they journey through life.
The Department team consists of eight teachers all subject trained in Mathematics. The department has a suite of five rooms equipped with books and equipment enabling the subject to be taught in a relevant, practical and challenging way. Most rooms are equipped with projectors and interactive white boards.
Mathematics is a highly popular subject in the school and is offered at all levels, from GCSE, A levels and the International Baccalaureate.
As a department we hope that students will come to appreciate that whilst being an important tool in other subjects, Mathematics is a subject in its own right, and that there is a sense of awe and wonder to behold within its boundaries.
Key Stage 3
Students are placed in ability groups immediately on arriving at Slough Grammar School.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) students are taught in sets across the whole Year group. Students follow the National Curriculum where they study the four areas of Mathematics: Using and Applying Mathematics, Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measure Data Handling Students work in a variety of ways, individually, paired work, group work, using text books, projects, investigations, practical activities and with the use of ICT, such as Autograph. Homework is set regularly and in a variety of ways: Projects, Worksheets, Revision tasks, On-line homework tasks.
Classwork is assessed and students are tested regularly and then the sets are reviewed throughout the year, There is also an end of year examination.
Key Stage 4
Students study the Edexcel Linear GCSE course, which they start in Year 9 in ability sets. They will sit the exam in Year 11. Independent learning is encouraged through the use of online learning resources. There is also time to discover their own mathematics through investigative work and problem solving activities. There is also an emphasis on Functional Mathematics. GCSE Mathematics provides excellent preparation for A-level and Further Mathematics A-Level.
Post-16
We follow the Edexcel AS and A2 Mathematics and Further Mathematics syllabus at A-level. There are 6 modules per A-Level and no coursework. Single mathematicians usually take 3 modules in the Year 12 and 3 in Year 13. Students are placed in ability sets at the start of Year 12 and continue into Year 13. Students are entered for exams in January and May/June of each year. .All teachers are happy to help any student who asks for help outside lesson time.
Further mathematicians follow a varied and interesting diet of Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision modules which allows them the flexibility to choose any degree course they wish to study. They may either choose the more statistics or the more mechanics based route in the Year 13. They can count A level and Further Mathematics as two of their A-level choices. We are very proud to send at students on to mathematics degrees each year.Mathematics is also taught as a compulsory element of the IB course, students either take Mathematics Studies, Mathematics Standard or Mathematics Higher.
Cross curricular links
Maths Surgery
This aims to provide extra individual assistance to any pupil who is experiencing difficulty with the subject and wishes to attend. The intention is to assist the routine work done in class and to be guided by the pupils' own teachers.
Oxbridge Entrants/AEA/STEP
Students are supported for additional qualifications and exams such as; Oxbridge Tests, Advanced Extension Award and the STEP Papers. We are proud that students wish to extend their mathematical ability by discovering their inner strengths.
National Mathematics Competitions
The Junior Mathematics Challenges concentrate on providing a thoughtful and enjoyable race against time on some interesting, difficult questions.
Mathematics Society Lectures/Visits
All Mathematics students have the opportunity to attend lectures given by University lecturers and other outside visitors. The aim is to present a wider and deeper profile of the subject beyond its traditional classroom reputation. Past speakers have included, Simon Singh, Prof Fred Piper, Dr. Colin Wright (Juggling of Mathematics), Dr. Mark Lewney (Rock Guitar), GCHQ (Secret Service). The department has also taken students to Bletchley Park and students have had the opportunity to discover Mathematics and its usage in Florida.
World Maths Day
World Maths Day is a special day in the academic calendar at Slough Grammar School. One of our students has been asked by World Maths Day to be a representative for the UK. He was 10th in his age category last year and top in UK. A fantastic achievement.
Year 8 Maths Day
Year 8 participate in various activities throughout a day in the academic calendar.
Business Enterprise
BP Business Enterprise Day for Year 10
Videos