This is the blog for the Maths Department at RGS Newcastle.
The department is one of the largest in the school and is staffed by 14 mathematicians, who are dedicated to helping students fulfill their potential in Mathematics. Their enthusiasm for the subject, as well as their breadth of knowledge give students at the Royal Grammar School a diverse range of options providing active development for students of all abilities. We offer a range of Mathematics qualifications which must rate amongst the best in the country for breadth and difficulty. Examinations that we are preparing students for this year are: Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) Mathematics, Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (AQA), the new Edexcel A Level Maths and Further Maths (Y12), AEA Mathematics, Oxford Entry and STEP Mathematics I / II / III.
Take-up for the subject is very healthy with approx. 125 students in the Lower Sixth and 90 in the Upper Sixth, making it the most popular subject at the school. There are approximately 140 students in each of years seven to eleven.
Year 7: After reviewing arithmetic and geometry, much of the emphasis is on developing a sound understanding of algebra and good techniques for using maths to solve problems. Throughout the year, students practise “pencil-and-paper” exercises and mental numeracy skills. Students are set part way through the academic year. Time allocation: five and a half (60 minute) lessons per fortnight including IT classes.
Year 8: There are seven sets, arranged in ability bands, pursuing the same course. Students from years 7 and 8 enter the annual national competition, the Junior Mathematics Challenge. Time allocation: five lessons per fortnight.
Year 9: There are eight sets, arranged in ability bands, again pursuing a common course. The year’s work brings in much of the material needed for IGCSE. Time allocation: five lessons per fortnight.
Year 10: There are eight sets, and all students continue preparation for the IGCSE 1-9 Mathematics Higher Paper. The top sets will start work towards the Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths. Time allocation: five lessons per fortnight.
Year 11: There are seven sets in year 11. Top sets aim to complete the IGCSE 1-9 Mathematics Higher Paper as well as attempting extra enrichment work based on the AQA Free Standing Maths Qualification. The other sets confine themselves to the completion of IGCSE 1-9 Mathematics Higher Paper. Students from years 10 and 11 enter the annual national competition, the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge. Time allocation: seven lessons per fortnight.
RGS Maths 