Valley Park School
MathematicsDepartment
Staffing
The Mathematics department is staffed by a dedicated and forward thinking team; the use of engaging and innovative teaching methods is central to our development. This is an exciting time for Mathematics, while we introduce iPads into classrooms and support our students to maintain our record of outstanding GCSEresults.
Curriculum and subjects
All students follow a twoyear KS3 and a threeyear KS4. Students have the opportunity to study Mathematics at A level and the uptake of AS Mathematics is particularly high this year. The use of ICT as a learning tool is important to us; all rooms are equipped with an electronic whiteboard and all students have access to either an iPad or a laptop.
Standards
The standards in the departmentare very stable, with 69% of students achieving A*-C grades in 2015.
Students’ ability profiles are carefully analysed and monitored, with intervention lessons being provided to students in all year groups where additional support is required in securing their target grade. The department’s KS5 students are encouraged to mentor their younger peers. A number of A Level mathematicians run a popular puzzle club at a neighbouring primary school.
Accommodation
The Mathematics department comprises spacious rooms in a brand new, purpose-built block which is shared with the English department. This permits very close liaison between these two key subject areas, particularly in Year 11. Rooms have multimedia facilities, including interactive whiteboards and wireless network access for iPads and laptops. A departmental resource base provides space in which to share resources and plan lesson activities.
Resources
The department is very well resourced and has been strongly supported financially by the school. In addition to the extensive use of software the department has a vision of making mathematics fun. As a result, the resource centre holds a library of many more interactive games and activities which are used widely within lessons.