Mathematics
Our Mathematics Department is dedicated to helping pupils achieve. We offer a range of qualifications to suit our pupils' abilities so that the least able receive a solid grounding in all aspects of Mathematics while, at the opposite end of the ability spectrum, our most gifted mathematicians are fully stretched. We run a help desk most lunchtimes in the week and in the run up to examinations we are accessible and willing to help throughout the day. We encourage pupils to seek assistance outside lessons and our Fifth and Sixth Formers really appreciate the time we give them to help maximise their potential grades.
Departmental Staff
Teaching Staff
Curriculum
First to Third Forms – compulsory for all pupils
In the First Form we spend the first half of the first term concentrating on number work. There are several tests on subjects starting with BIDMAS and integer multiplication and progressing to indices, decimals, ratios and percentages.
Initially the new first formers are loosely set according to their entrance exam into two joint top sets, a third, fourth and fifth set. After several mini tests on aspects of numeracy, we re-set the first form after a comprehensive numeracy test set at the end of the Autumn term. Thereafter pupils study algebra and other areas of mathematics. For approximately ½ hour per week from December the pupils will hone their numeracy skills and attempt to pass their internal Bronze, Silver and Gold numeracy awards. For more information on the First Form, see here (pdf).
In the Second Form pupils are set from 1 to 5 but continue to follow a common syllabus. We aim to stretch every pupil and cover more advanced algebra, data handling and reinforce the First Form work. Tests have two sections, the first section is for all classes and the Extension section is aimed at the top couple of sets.
For the Third and Fourth form module tests are split into 3 Sections: Support, Core, and Extension. This allows us to have a common section of the test for the year group (Core) whilst simultaneously offering challenging questions to the higher sets and appropriate questions for our smaller sets. Each class will do two sections – either S and C or C and E. The S section covers the building blocks of a topic and are based on the material learnt the previous year. The Core section tests the main focus of the topic, building on the S section. The Extension Section is aimed at the ablest pupils in the year group. All tests have questions taken from past examination papers.
More information about Mathematics setting can be found at the bottom of this page (pdf).
Fourth and Fifth Forms – compulsory IGCSE or GCSE subject
- Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A (all pupils). Assessed via two exams
- AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics 8365 (pupils in sets 1 and 2). Assessed via two exams
Mathematics is important in all aspects of everyday life: from shopping or planning a holiday, to buying a house. It’s a core skill that most employers look for, as well as a powerful tool for understanding and communication across the world. Maths helps you learn to problem-solve, and to think creatively and critically – skills that are valued in many careers from architecture to motorsport and medicine.
Our Maths Department is dedicated to helping you achieve. We offer a range of qualifications to suit all abilities, so that the least able receive a solid grounding in all aspects of the subject while, at the opposite end of the ability spectrum, our most gifted mathematicians are fully stretched.
Sets 1-5 take Higher Level. Sets 6 and 7 take Foundation Level (with a maximum achievable grade of 5) at the end of the Fourth Form, with a view to gaining a grade 4 or 5 a year early. In Fifth Form, some will retake Foundation while others will progress to Higher Level.
To gain a grade 5 you will need to be proficient in number work - ratio, percentage, fractions. You will need a basic understanding of averages and be able to decipher data in frequency tables. Area and basic trigonometry are required as is basic algebra. Jumping to grade 9 and you will have also had to master differentiation, vectors, and circle theorems, as well as developed many problem-solving skills.
Sixth Form – A Level optional subjects
We offer two courses at A Level:
Mathematics A Level (Edexcel GCE Mathematics 9FM0). Typically, between one third and one half of our Lower Sixth opt to take A level Mathematics.
- This is a 2 year course which is examined by three 2 hr papers at the end of the U6. Two papers test the Pure Mathematics content whilst the third is a mixture of Statistics and Mechanics
- At the end of the Lower Sixth pupils will take an internal examination which will need to be passed to progress.
Further Mathematics A Level (Edexcel GCE Mathematics 9MA0). Our gifted mathematicians may opt to also study Further Mathematics as a fourth A level. They undertake the entire Mathematics A Level syllabus in the Lower Sixth, and cover some of the Further Pure content from the Further Mathematics A level. In the Upper Sixth they will be prepared for the three examinations mentioned above and an additional four exams. These will probably be
- Core Pure 1 and Core Pure 2 (not optional)
- Further Statistics 1 (we might look at alternative options in the future)
- Further Mechanics 1 (we might look at alternative options in the future)
Kimbolton 7th Period Super-Curriculum: Our super curriculum will have a variety of aspects to it. All Sixth Form pupils take part in the national UK Mathematics Senior Challenge. After November pupils will be stretched by looking at various topics such as curve sketching, roots of quadratic equations, rational, irrational and complex numbers, nested surds, interesting sequences and killer sudokus. Recently students also looked at fractals, building a giant level 3 Menger Sponge out of 48000 business cards, as well as a Sierpinski Tetrahedron - now on display outside the Queen Katharine Building. Maths teacher Mr Wilkinson has put together a website, https://mathsmodels.co.uk, which showcases several of these recent maths construction projects.
- View our Sixth Form Prospectus
Regular competitions
- Our First and Second Forms all take the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Maths Challenge in April. In 2018, we won 11 Gold awards and 8 pupils were invited back to the follow-on rounds (Junior Mathematical Olympiad and the Junior Kangaroo.)
- The UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge is typically sat by the top set in the Third Form and the top two sets in the Fourth and Fifth Forms.
- The UKMT Senior Maths Challenge is an option for all of our Sixth Form Mathematicians. In 2018, they received 5 Gold awards. All five pupils qualified for the follow-on rounds, with one achieving a Certificate of Distinction in the British Mathematical Olympiad
In addition we enter two team competitions:
- UKMT Team Maths Challenge - a team of four, two each from First and Second Forms.
- The Further Maths Network Senior Team Challenge - a team of four, two each from the Lower and Upper Sixth Forms