Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle practical tasks and real life problems. There are aspects of mathematics which are essential to our every day lives; everything we calculate and almost every problem that needs solving draws upon our knowledge and understanding of the subject and our ability to apply those mathematical skills that we have learnt.

The department aims to provide all students with these skills and the ability and confidence to apply them.

G.C.S.E The students follow the OCR syllabus A ( code 1662) which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. It provides an opportunity for pupils to succeed in classroom based projects and encompasses a good grounding in the mathematics required for everyday life together with a taste of the more abstract, intellectually challenging problem. The examination contains two pieces of classroom-based coursework, one non-calculator and one calculator paper. Currently, approximately 30% of our students in Year 11 take the Higher paper( A*-C), the rest taking the Intermediate paper (B-F). In Year 10, weaker candidates have the opportunity to take the GCSE Foundation paper, achieving a grade in the subject and the confidence to tackle the Intermediate paper in their final year.

The school provides classes in the sixth form to enable all students to gain a C grade before they leave Pangbourne.

Last year’s exam results; 100% pass rate, 67% A*-C, 40% A*-B

A/AS Level At A level the OCR Modular syllabus (code 9501) is followed. It provides a flexible and challenging course which enables pupils to study A levels or AS levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. A typical combination includes modules in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The modules are taken throughout the two years, providing the students with immediate and specific feedback, which allows them to improve their performance, if required, and plan for their futures with realistic goals.

Last year’s exam results; 100% pass rate, 80% A’s

Support Small teaching sets, positive experiences and enthusiastic and varied teaching is essential to develop the confidence and skills base of the less-able. In addition, we are able to provide in-class support, an individual tutoring scheme with our in-house specialist in learning difficulties, Daryll Paddick, and lunch time ‘surgery’ sessions for anyone who needs a little extra help.

Enrichment In addition to in-class differentiation and enrichment, the top sets throughout the college enter the National Mathematics Competitions. In the last two years, three students have finished in the top 1000 students in their age group and have been invited to compete in the National Mathematics Olympiad.

Students are given the opportunity to attend lectures run by Imperial College, the Institute of Education and study days run by the Training Partnership and ‘Mathamagic’.