Introduction

We believe that mathematical intelligence is expandable and we ensure that all of our students can reach their full potential. We challenge students to think, act and speak like mathematicians. Mathematics is designed to develop investigational and practical skills, as well as the traditional computational and manipulative processes, logical thought and abstract reasoning.

The Maths department at Forest Hill School provides a curriculum that enables students to build understanding in Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportions, Geometry, Probability and Statistics in an environment where each student is inspired to succeed.

To ensure that students are given an offer that is suitable for their ability and meets their needs we set in Mathematics, however, these sets are dynamic and students are regularly assessed to ensure they are in the correct set.

Mathematics Curriculum Map

Maths at Key Stage 3

All students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) study Maths with a specialist Maths teacher over four periods a week. In line with the new KS3 Maths curriculum, students carry out investigative project-based work that helps to develop their thinking and learning skills and their ability to work in groups. There is also a focus on applying their mathematical knowledge to real-life situations.

Maths homework is set once a week. The focus is on consolidating learning from that week and it is differentiated accordingly. It will also have an extension task to stretch and challenge the students.

Maths at Key Stage 4

All students at Forest Hill School study GCSE Mathematics as it is a key skill and qualification that young people need to progress in the world today.

The Maths curriculum is clearly differentiated with students being able to either stretch themselves by sitting the Higher qualification or be supported by sitting the Foundation qualification. Either way, we ensure that the teaching of Maths at Forest Hill School ensures that all students fulfil their potential in this vital subject.

Additionally, we offer a Level 2 qualification in Further Maths to further stretch the boys and ensure they are developing their skills to the full.

The GCSE Maths course ensures that students develop solid skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts; that they can apply mathematical techniques to solve problems and that they can reason mathematically, making deductions and inferences and drawing conclusions.

Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Specification

Edexcel GCSE Statistics Specification

Maths at Key Stage 5

Within the Maths department, we offer AS Level Maths, A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. Students are given the best chance of expanding their mathematical knowledge and preparing them for Higher Education.

The A Level Maths course builds on the foundations laid down at GCSE level and is divided into Pure mathematics and Applied mathematics. Applied Maths subdivides into Statistics and Mechanics.

Edexcel A Level Mathematics Specification

Further Mathematics is an additional qualification to the standard A-Level Mathematics and as such is much more challenging. Students must have achieved a minimum Grade 8 at GCSE to study Further Mathematics and need to be interested in the subject for its own sake, enjoying grappling with difficult counterintuitive ideas and complex problems.

Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics Specification

Enrichment

Every year, Forest Hill students take part in the UK Mathematics Challenge. Initial heats are organised at the school and lead to regional competitions and national finals. More information is available via the links below:

Junior Maths Challenge (up to year 8)

Intermediate Maths Challenge (up to Year 11)

Senior Maths Challenge (Years 12 and 13)

The school’s enrichment timetable includes a Maths Puzzle Club for students in Years 7 to 9 and a Maths Homework Club for students in Years 7 to 11.

Maths Masterclasses are offered to GCSE students to reinforce and enhance students’ learning. In particular, we are looking to support boys needing that extra push to improve grades.