Mathematics
At Stanborough School, we believe that every pupil can succeed in mathematics. Our ambitious curriculum develops fluent, curious and resilient mathematicians who understand not only how mathematics works, but why it matters.
Through a carefully sequenced five-year spiral curriculum, pupils build on prior knowledge to develop confidence in reasoning, problem solving and mathematical communication. We encourage pupils to make connections between topics and apply their learning to real-world contexts, preparing them for further study, employment and everyday life. Our aim is for every student to leave Stanborough with the knowledge, resilience and curiosity to use mathematics confidently in an ever-changing world.
Head of Department: Miss S Masterson
Email: SMasterson@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
What will students study?
In KS3:
At Key Stage 3, pupils develop secure foundations across the five main areas of mathematics through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds on Key Stage 2 learning. They study:
- Number – place value, calculations, fractions, decimals, percentages and indices.
- Algebra – expressions, equations, formulae, sequences and graphs.
- Geometry – angles, shapes, constructions, transformations, Pythagoras, perimeter, area and volume.
- Ratio and Proportion – ratio, proportion, rates of change and unit conversions.
- Statistics and Probability – collecting, representing and interpreting data, averages and probability.
Throughout the course, pupils develop mathematical fluency alongside reasoning and problem-solving skills. They learn to communicate their thinking, make connections between topics and apply mathematics confidently in both familiar and real-world contexts, preparing them for GCSE study in Key Stage 4. Across our curriculum, there are a number of opportunities for pupils to complete investigations and projects, helping to nurture their mathematical curiosity and love for the subject.
For further breakdown by year group, please refer to our curriculum maps.
Key Stage Lead Contact: Mrs S. Sahjpall Email: SSahjpall@Stanborough.herts.sch.uk
In KS4:
GCSE Mathematics:
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics course, building on the strong foundations established in Key Stage 3. The curriculum develops students’ fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills through increasingly challenging content and opportunities to apply mathematics in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Throughout the course, students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts, make connections between different areas of mathematics and learn to select efficient methods to solve complex problems. Regular retrieval practice and our spiral curriculum ensure that previously learned knowledge is revisited and strengthened, preparing pupils for success in their GCSE examinations and for further study, employment and everyday life.
Pupils will follow either the Higher or Foundation specification from Year 9.
For full details of the course content, please refer to our curriculum maps and to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics specification which can be found here.
Assessment:
Pupils will be entered for Higher or Foundation tiers.
They will sit three papers, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Each paper equals 80 marks. Pupils will be graded on the total marks from all three papers and grade boundaries shift each year.
Paper 1: Non-Calculator
Paper 2 and 3: Calculator.
All content covered can be expected to appear on any or all three papers.
Awarding Body: Edexcel Website: Pearson A Level Mathematics (2017)
Subject Lead: Miss V. Prockova Email:VProckova@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics:
Our most-able mathematicians will also be entered into the AQA Further Mathematics Level 2 GCSE in Year 11. Any new content for this qualification will be delivered from January of Year 11. This qualification supports the transition to A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics and is assessed through two exam papers:
Paper 1: Non calculator (1 hr 45 mins)
Paper 2: Calculator (1 hr 45 mins)
For full details of the course content, please refer to our curriculum maps and to the AQA Course Website which can be found here.
In KS5:
A Level Mathematics
An Advanced GCE can be obtained by completing three assessments at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (2 hours, 100 Marks)
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (2 hours, 100 marks)
Paper 3: Applied Mathematics – Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours, 100 marks)
Pure Mathematics 1 Content
Proof Algebra and functions Coordinate Geometry
Sequences Trigonometry Exponentials and Logarithms
Differentiation Integration Vectors
Pure Mathematics 2 Content
Proof Algebra and functions Coordinate Geometry
Sequences Trigonometry Differentiation
Integration Numerical Methods
Applied Mathematics Content
Statistical Sampling Data Presentation & interpretation Probability
Statistical Distributions Statistical Hypothesis testing Quantities and units in Mechanics
Kinematics Moments Forces and Newton’s laws
Awarding Body: Edexcel Website: Pearson A Level Mathematics (2017)
Subject Lead: Mr. I. Loffler Email: ILoffler@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
A Level Further Mathematics
An Advanced GCE can be obtained by completing four assessments at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1 Core Pure Mathematics 1.5 hours 75 marks
Paper 2 Core Pure Mathematics. 1.5 hours 75 marks
Paper 3 Further Mechanics 1 1.5 hours 75 marks
Paper 4 Decision 1 1.5 hours 75 marks
Core Pure Mathematics Content
- Proof
- Complex Numbers
- Matrices
- Further Calculus
- Further Vectors
- Further Algebra and Functions
- Polar Coordinates
- Hyperbolic Functions
- Differential Equations
Further Mechanics Content (Paper 3C)
- Momentum and Impulse
- Work, energy and power
- Elastic strings and springs and elastic energy
- Elastic collisions in one dimension
- Elastic collisions in two dimensions
Further Decision Content (Paper 3D)
- Algorithms and graph theory
- Algorithms on graphs I and II
- Critical path analysis
- Linear programming
Awarding Body: Edexcel Website: Pearson A Level Further Mathematics (2017)
Subject Lead: Mr. I. Loffler Email: ILoffler@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
Level 3 Core Mathematical Studies (Year 12)
Level 3 Core Mathematics is an exciting post-16 qualification for students who achieved at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Higher Mathematics and wish to continue developing their mathematical skills alongside their other A Levels or vocational courses. The course focuses on applying mathematics to real-life situations, including finance, statistics, data analysis and problem solving. It equips students with the confidence and quantitative reasoning skills needed for higher education, apprenticeships and a wide range of future careers where mathematical thinking is increasingly valued.
Paper 1: 60 marks. 1 hour 30 minute
- Analysis of Data
- Maths for personal finance
- Estimation
Paper 2: 60 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Critical analysis
- Normal Distribution
- Probabilities and estimation
- Correlation and regression
Awarding Body: AQA Website: AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies
Subject Lead: Miss S. Masterson Email: SMasterson@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
How can I support my child in this subject?
Success in mathematics comes from regular practice and developing confidence over time. Parents can support their child by encouraging them to complete their weekly Sparx Maths homework, which provides personalised questions alongside support videos to explain each topic. Pupils can also use Sparx independently to revisit previous learning and strengthen their understanding. During each assessment cycle, pupils will be provided with a revision list that has independent learning Sparx codes attached. These will also be provided in their personalised, RAG-rated, question level analysis feedback sheet after each assessment cycle.
For GCSE students, practising exam-style questions and full past-paper exams, in exam conditions, is essential preparation for the exam. Providing your child with a quite place, away from any distractions, where they can complete timed practice papers/questions in exam conditions, will greatly support your child’s development of exam technique.
Other online resources are also available, that provide additional questions and exam practice for your child. These include:
- Collins Connect – For KS3 Your child will be given their login at the beginning of the academic year and can access this from home.
- Corbett Maths – For KS3 and KS4 Free revision material, including instructional videos, worksheets and exam questions for all topics.
- 1stClass Maths – for KS4 and KS5 A website with exam board specific revision for GCSE, Level 2 Further Maths and A Level Mathematics.
- PMT – for KS4 and KS5. Includes revision notes and exam style questions.
- Integral Maths – Online virtual learning platform for KS5 courses, including Core Maths, A Level and Further Mathematics.
What equipment does my child need in this subject?
Students are required to have the same stationery equipment in line with Stanborough School expectations. In addition, students will require a pair of compasses, a protractor and a scientific calculator (Casio FX – 85GT CW).
Note: If a student is aiming to study maths a KS5 (A Level Maths or Level 3 Core Maths), they must have the Casio FX – 991CW, which can also be used at GCSE. For A Level, pupils may want to purchase a Casio Graphing Calculator, but this is not a requirement for the A Level Maths or Further Maths course.
Celebrating successes in this subject:
Students who show an interest in and aptitude for maths are entered in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Maths Challenges at the appropriate level each year. This is a national competition in which the top performers are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and the highest scorers qualify for additional follow-on rounds. Over half of the Stanborough students entered each year earn certificates and we normally have at least one follow-on round qualifier from each challenge. Very occasionally, outstanding performance in follow-on rounds has led to invitations to join external mentoring schemes and prestigious summer schools.
A number of students in each year group are selected to represent the school in team maths competitions. In Years 7 and 8, two teams of four students compete in the Hertfordshire County Team Challenges and these have gone on to the final of the competition on several occasions. A mixed team of Year 8 and Year 9 students take part in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge Regional Final each year, which is always very competitive. We also enter two teams in the AMSP Year 10 Team Maths Competition and one in the UKMT/ AMSP Senior Maths Challenge each year
Extra-Curricular Activities and Visits:
Trips are a regular occurrence in maths for students in all key stages. In addition to team competitions, students attend Maths Inspiration shows as well as other popular lectures, such as those hosted by the London Mathematical Society and the Cambridge Science Festival. Students regularly attend Year 10 and Year 12 Enrichment Days organised by the Advanced Maths Support Programme and the Millennium Maths Project.
A maths enrichment club meets weekly to enable students of all ages to work on extended projects, play mathematical games and solve mathematical problems and puzzles.
Pupils also have the opportunity to visit Florence on a combined trip with the Art Department in Year 9.
