At key stage 3 our main aim is to make Mathematics fun and enjoyable but more importantly to make pupils feel confident about their Mathematics. The quality of learning dramatically improves when pupils feel they are achieving. The standard of work is carefully pitched to suit the needs of all pupils, from the very brightest to the weakest. A variety of teaching methods and styles are used and a pupils level of achievement is assessed on a half termly basis.

Mathematics Club
Mathematics club is held on a weekly basis for pupils in forms 1 & 2 (years 7 & 8). Pupils have fun through playing mathematical games, problem solving, sudoke, quizzes etc.

Competitions
All pupils enter the UKMT junior maths challenge. Many of our pupils achieve gold, silver or bronze certificates and the most able mathematicians go on to further rounds. Four of the most able pupils in forms 2 & 3 (years 8 & 9) represent the school in the UKMT junior team maths challenge in Cardiff. This is a fantastic day and thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils.

Techniquest
Each year form 1 (year 7) attend the mathemagic show at Techniquest in Cardiff. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, educational day for the children.

The department follows the WJEC linear specification for GCSE. The linear course enables pupils to:

▪ develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
▪ acquire and use problem solving strategies
▪ select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in everyday and real-world situations
▪ interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms

There are two tiers of entry:
Higher – Grades: A*, A, B, C, D
Foundation – Grades: C, D, E, F, G

Pupils are required to sit two written papers at the end of the course in May/June:-

Paper 1 (Non-calculator) (50%) Higher tier:- 2 Hours, Foundation tier:- 1 Hr 30 mins
Paper 2 (Calculator) (50%) Higher tier:- 2 Hours, Foundation tier:- 1 Hr 30 mins

Both papers assess content which are grouped into:

▪ Number
▪ Algebra
▪ Geometry and Measure
▪ Probability and Statistics

All pupils are encouraged to enter the Higher tier, however, the Foundation tier will be considered in a small minority of cases.

Fast Track Mathematics
Talented mathematicians in year 10 set 1 are invited to sit Mathematics GCSE a year early. These pupils are then given the option of studying Additional mathematics (see below) in year 11. In 2010 and 2011 all pupils who sat GCSE a year early achieved an A*.

Additional Mathematics
Additional mathematics is a level 2 qualification run by the WJEC. The examination is far more difficult than GCSE but not as difficult as AS. It is an excellent qualification for able mathematicians in year 11 and is a perfect stepping stone to sixth form mathematics.

Gifted Pupils
In each year group there are usually a couple of extremely gifted mathematicians. These pupils are withdrawn a couple of lessons a week and taught individually in order to meet their particular needs. These pupils are invited to sit their GCSE, AS and A level Mathematics examinations as soon as they feel confident and prepared.

Extra Support
Unfortunately we don’t all find Mathematics easy. For pupils who find Mathematics difficult extra help is offered, either on an individual or small group basis. All members of staff in the department are happy to volunteer their time at lunchtime or after school in order to assist these pupils. This extra individual help makes a massive difference and enables pupils to achieve their maximum potential.

Revision Lessons
Revision lessons are held regularly at various times during lunchtime, after school and also during the holidays. These lessons are open to everyone and all pupils are encouraged to attend. The lessons held during the May half term holiday prior to the GCSE examinations are definitely not to be missed and can make a massive difference to performance.

Results
Through the hard work and commitment of members of staff, the department prides itself on achieving outstanding examination results. In 2010 all pupils entered Higher tier at GCSE. A remarkable 59% of our pupils achieved an A* and the lowest grade achieved was a grade B. In 2011, 50% of pupils achieved an A*, and all pupils achieved a grade C or higher. Full credit goes to the staff and pupils concerned.

Competitions
All pupils enter the UKMT intermediate maths challenge. Many of our pupils achieve gold, silver or bronze certificates and the most able mathematicians go on to further rounds.

Mathematics is an extremely popular AS/A level in St Michaels with almost every student opting to take the subject. We follow the WJEC specification which consists of 3 modules for AS level and a further 3 modules for A level. The modules on offer are:-

Pure Maths: C1, C2, C3, C4
Mechanics: M1, M2
Statistics: S1, S2

In order to complete an AS, 3 modules must be studied:- C1, C2, S1 or C1, C2, M1.
In order to complete an A level a further 3 modules must be studied:- C3, C4 and either S1, M1, S2 or M2.
Each module is a 1.5 hour examination taken in either January or June.

We are extremely fortunate at St Michaels in that we are able to offer every possible combination, unlike other sixth form establishments which have restricted choice. A level Mathematics is a two year course, however studying A level over one year is available for extremely talented mathematicians wishing to study A level Further Mathematics (See below).

Extra Support
Individual help is always available. No pupil will ever be refused the help they need. Prior to examinations extra revision lessons are available either at lunchtime, after school or during the holidays.

Results
The A level Mathematics results are a credit to the students and the department. In 2011 all pupils achieved a grade C or higher.

Competitions
All pupils enter the UKMT senior maths challenge. Many of our pupils achieve gold, silver or bronze certificates and the most able mathematicians go on to further rounds.

Each year four of our most able A level students attend the UKMT senior team challenge in Cardiff University. This is an excellent day and a fantastic experience for the pupils involved.

A Level Further Mathematics
Extremely talented mathematicians go on to study Further mathematics at A level. This involves studying an additional 6 modules at A level from the modules below:

Further Pure: FP1, FP2, FP3
Mechanics: M2, M3
Statistics: S2, S3

Pupils who sit both Mathematics and Further Mathematics achieve two A levels in Mathematics. Universities look highly upon students who study Further Mathematics and further maths is becoming more and more popular.