Mathematics is a study of patterns and relationships; a science and a way of thinking; an art, characterized by order and internal consistency; a language, using carefully defined terms and symbols; and a tool to solving problems.

Our aims as a Mathematics Department are to ensure that students are:

• Taught the mathematical skills and methods necessary to function as an independent members of society
• Able to read, write and verbalise their mathematical and Numeracy knowledge in order that they can transfer their skills into other subjects
• Able to enjoy the subject, whilst learning in an environment that is safe structured and creative.
• Challenged to an appropriate level so that every students achieves their full potential.

There are currently ten members of staff working in the department, six of which have full time mathematics timetables. Each Key Stage has its own co-coordinators, separate to the Head of the Department.

The department teaches the full range of ability for pupils aged 11 to 18. It follows the National Curriculum for Mathematics.

Year 7: In line with school policies pupils are taught in their academic groups that have been created on information received from their Primary schools and their KS2 results. They receive four 1 hour lessons per week. We have 1 fast track teaching group who will complete their GCSE a year early.

Years 8: The structure of the sets remains the same in Year 8 with 1 fast track teaching group. However students only receive three 1 hour lessons per week.

Year 9: Pupils are taught in two parallel bands, each with 4 sets. The two top sets are entered for their KS3 exams at levels 6-8, the second sets are entered at levels 5-7, the third and fourth sets are entered at levels 4-6. They receive three 1 hour lessons per week.

Key Stage 4

In years 10 and 11 pupils are taught in two parallel bands, each with 4 sets. The two top sets and the second sets study the Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics. The majority of students in the third sets and all students in the fourth sets study the Foundation Tier GCSE syllabus. The school will for the first time have students complete the two-tier EDXCEL GCSE Mathematics in 2008.

In years 12 and 13 St. Bonaventure’s is part of a joint Sixth Form Centre with our sister school St. Angela’s. ‘A’ level is shared between the schools with usually four groups starting the course in year 12. We also offer one Further Mathematics teaching group and one group where students can attempt the AS course over a period of 2 years. The department also teaches two GCSE re-sit courses. All pupils follow the EDEXCEL course, studying the C1, C2 and M1 modules in Year 12 and the C3, C4 and S1 modules in Year 13.