“Mathematics is used throughout the world as an essential tool in many fields, including natural science, engineering, medicine, finance and the social sciences.” (Wikipedia)
At Rainford, we aim to provide our students with a Mathematical education that allows them to achieve their maximum potential. We offer various different approaches to Teaching and Learning to challenge, motivate and engage students and develop their Mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills for everyday life, future employment and also to enable students to achieve their full potential in KS3 tests, GCSE, AS and A2 examinations. Our students will leave us with a strong foundation if they wish to study Mathematics further.
We teach in 9 specialist classrooms in the West block, near to the front of school and each has an interactive whiteboard. As a department we subscribe to www.mymaths.co.uk which students can use to practice their Maths skills, complete ‘booster packs’ as revision and also to complete homework online. The Mathematics department also make full use of the schools V.L.E., Rainford Connect, which contains lots of information including past papers and mark schemes. We have two sets of netbooks that can be used by students in lessons and at lunchtime. Students need to bring Mathematical equipment (a protractor, compass and scientific calculator) to their Maths lessons. We recommend that students have a Casio scientific calculator, such as the FX-85GTPLUS or equivalent for Key Stages 3 and 4 (some students prefer the FX-85GTPLUS-BU, blue or FX-85GTPLUS-PK, pink!).
Useful web sites
http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage
http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/11_16/site/maths.shtml
UK Mathematics challenge at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level
Students in Years 8, 10 and 12/13 are entered for the UK Mathematical challenges at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Levels respectively. Many of our students achieve Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates.
Teaching
If our sixth form students express an interest in a teaching career, they are encouraged to support teachers in lower Mathematics lessons. Our Key Stage 5 Manager arranges suitable groups for the students to support during their free/enrichment time.