Name of Head of Department
Mr N Riseborough BSc (Hons), PGCE
Introduction to the department
It is our hope that mathematics at DHSG should first of all be fun. We wish to stimulate interest in, and enthusiasm for, the study of mathematics for its own sake so that students discover for themselves the richness and variety of the subject and the unique insight it provides into the nature of the world around them. This is not to overlook the development of the skills required for adult life, other subjects, and the passing of examinations but is intended to demonstrate our commitment to the fostering of a positive attitude to the subject. We also aim to provide students of varying abilities and interests, the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the subject at an appropriate level and rate of progress.
Key stage 3 (Year 7 and 8)
Our students follow a bespoke five-year curriculum pathway to meet the needs of our selective cohort. Whilst we do not differentiate between KS3 and KS4, all elements of the KS3 curriculum are met by the end of year 9.
Year 7
Term 1
Working with integers
Primes/factors/multiples/squares/cubes
Prime factor decomposition
BODMAS
Calculator use
Negative numbers
Introduction to algebra
Term 2
Expanding brackets
Expanding and simplifying brackets
Rounding and estimation
Area and perimeter (including circles)
Term 3
Solving equations
Straight line graphs
Introduction to probability
Term 4
Working with fractions
Transformations
Term 5
Angles
Averages and range
Distance time graphs
Term 6
Sequences
Ratio
3D shapes
Year 8
Term 1
Calculations, checking and rounding
Indices, roots, reciprocals and hierarchy of operations
Term 2
Factors, multiples and primes
Standard form and surds
Algebra: the basics
Term 3
Setting up, rearranging and solving equations
Term 4
Sequences
Averages and range
Term 5
Representing and interpreting data
Scatter graphs
Term 6
Fractions
Percentages
All students follow the new Edexcel GCSE (Higher) mathematics course. Whilst we do set by ability, all students follow the same scheme of work and sit the same assessments. All students have the opportunity to achieve the highest grades.
Details can be found here:
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the Edexcel website GCSE Mathematics Specification
Key stage 4 (Year 9, 10 and 11)
All students follow the new Edexcel GCSE (Higher) mathematics course. Whilst we do set by ability, all students follow the same scheme of work and sit the same assessments. All students have the opportunity to achieve the highest grades.
Year 9
Term 1
Ratio and proportion
Polygons, angles and parallel lines
Term 2
Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
Graphs: the basics and real-life graphs
Term 3
Linear graphs and coordinate geometry
Quadratic, cubic and other graphs
Term 4
Perimeter, area and circles
3D form and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres
Term 5
Accuracy and bounds
Transformations
Term 6
MOCK EXAMS
Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations
Year 10
Term 1
Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations
Probability
Term 2
Multiplicative reasoning
Similarity and congruence in 2D and 3D
Graphs of trigonometric functions
Term 3
Further trigonometry
Collecting data
Term 4
Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms
Quadratics, expanding more than two brackets
Sketching graphs, graphs of circles, cubes and quadratics
Term 5
Circle theorems
Circle geometry
Term 6
MOCK EXAMS
Changing the subject of formulae (more complex)
Algebraic fractions, solving equations arising from algebraic fractions
Details can be found here:
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the Edexcel website GCSE Mathematics Specification
Extra-curricular activities
200 students every year take part in the junior, intermediate and senior mathematics challenges.
The department run a mathematics club on a lunchtime. Students from this group are selected for the Mathematics Challenge team. The school have been regional junior champions on a number of occasions.
