Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. At Our Lady of Sion we embrace the challenge of Mathematics and believe that everyone can succeed and enjoy this subject.
At Our Lady of Sion, the Mathematics Department aims to provide a stimulating learning environment, in which our students can develop a deep understanding of the core concepts of mathematics, but also form links between them so they can view Maths as one coherent and inter-connected subject.
Students are grouped by prior attainment, in order that they can learn at a pace and level suitable to them. Groupings are reviewed on a half-termly basis throughout the academic year.
Starting this academic year 2022-23 we are utilising the White Rose Maths Scheme of Work throughout Key Stage 3. This SOW aims to promote links being formed between distinct areas of mathematics, and is supported with in-class textbooks, assessments and supplementary resources to provide students with an enriching experience.
Our Key Stage 4 students follow the Edexcel International GCSE syllabus (4MA1). This course is assessed through two terminal examination papers; the vast majority of our students are entered at Higher Tier. Results in recent years have been very pleasing. Last academic year 100% of students attained Grade 4 or above, and 2/3 achieved Grade 7 or above. 20% of students achieved a Grade 9.
Some students are afforded the opportunity to study for an additional GCSE in Statistics during Years 10 & 11, and some also study for an Additional or Further Mathematics qualification.
Students have the opportunity to enter the annual Mathematics Challenges administered by the UK Mathematics Trust. Weekly practice sessions are run in the build-up to these competitions so that students can build up their confidence prior to the challenge itself. Many students perform extremely well, earning Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates of achievement, and a number have progressed to the even more demanding ‘Kangaroo’ and ‘Junior Mathematical Olympiad’ rounds in recent years.
A co-educational independent school with a strong ethos, successfully education Boys & Girls from ages 3 – 18