Mathematics
At The Oratory we want to give everyone the confidence to succeed with Mathematics by developing resilience and problem-solving skills
We believe we provide an environment conducive to all of our pupils achieving their potential in Mathematics, be it a grade 5 at GCSE to enable University entrance, through to STEP level success for admission into Oxbridge.
Beyond the course
Maths is one of the biggest facilitating subjects and it is essential for many higher education courses and careers. Higher education courses or careers that either require A Level Mathematics or are strongly related include: Economics; Architecture; Accountancy; Engineering; Computing; Medicine; Teaching; Physics; Geography; Psychology; Cartography.
About
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all pupils up to GCSE. The aim of the Mathematics Department is to help all pupils understand and appreciate the elegance, as well as the utility, of the subject. There have been impressive recent advances in software development and interactive whiteboard technology that we use in our teaching; at the same time we are clear that confidence in Mathematics must be built on the firm foundations of basic numeracy and algebra skills.
While we have many talented mathematicians, we realise that some pupils find the subject very demanding. As a consequence, sets in the Lower School may vary in size significantly. Twice each week there is a ‘clinic’ for extra help or reassurance.
The Department has specialist classrooms, equipped with interactive boards to enhance our pupils' learning.
Mr Richard Ford - Head of Maths
Curriculum
Currently we offer:
· AQA A Level Mathematics: One of the most popular sixth form options.
· AQA A Level Further Mathematics
· OCR Additional Mathematics: Taken at the end of 5th form by the top set.
· AQA GCSE Mathematics: Taken at the end of 5th form.
The pupils are placed in sets for Mathematics, largely based on ability with a normal sized group in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Forms having four sets. The First and Second Forms have two sets. The work is differentiated by choice of textbook and by speed of work. Extension work is done to stretch the most able boys in the top set of each year group.
Co-Curricular
The Mathematics Department have successfully entered the UKMT Mathematics Challenge for Junior (First and Second Forms), Intermediate (Third, Fourth, and Fifth Forms) and Senior (Sixth Form) pupils. We have done very well, with record numbers of pupils receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Several boys have done well enough to be invited to participate in the follow-on rounds.
We also enter teams into the UKMT Senior Team Challenge (Fifth and Sixth Forms) and the UKMT Team Challenge (Second and Third Forms).
We also enter teams into:
Southampton University’s National Cipher Challenge;
Integral’s Ritangle Competition;
Jaguar Maths in Motion Challenge.
Maths Support
Specialist Maths support is offered by the Curriculum Support for those who struggle in Mathematics.
Staff frequently give up their own time to give individual support and there are sessions throughout the week that pupils can drop in on.
Support programmes for those who need them are put in place in the run up to external exams.
Candidates for top universities are supported in their preparation for entrance exams for Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, and other related subjects