Mathematics in Year 9
Students will have been taught in tutor groups in years 7 and 8, but at the start of year 9 they are set.
As in previous years there will be 6 groups, however, due to timetabling constraints, we have not been able to set the boys entirely according to ability as we are no longer able to have all year 9 maths lessons at the same time.
The mathematics department have labelled the new groups A1, A2, A3.1 A3.2, B1, and B2. The A or B element of your son’s group is determined by his form group with Manor, Warwick and Greyhound being split between A1, A2, A3.1 and A3.2. Set A1 is for the more able students from these 3 forms and is a group of 30 students. Similarly, Lenham and Throwley are split between B1 and B2. B1 is a group of 30 of the more able students from these forms. The labelling on your son's timetable for next year may be different to the one we have allocated. This will have been generated by the timetabling program.
The decisions about which set individual students have been placed in are informed by their performance throughout year 7 and 8, looking at test, exam and maths challenge results together with their teacher’s assessment of how they might respond to a change of pace. We review these decisions regularly and the first adjustment, within the A and B groupings, will be in January. Test results will be taken into account, but will not be the only deciding factor. A further adjustment will be made after the year 9 examination.
In year 10 we will move to 6 groups which will be set in the usual way and students will have their lessons at the same time. Being in set A1 or B1 does not mean that you will automatically be in set 1 in year 10.
All students, no matter which group they are in, will study the same mathematics curriculum and they will all be entered for the higher tier of the GCSE at the end of year 11. Because students in the top sets will work faster through curriculum topics, they will have time to look at enrichment material which is not part of the GCSE course. Rest assured no-one is denied the opportunity to study mathematics or further mathematics at AS or A2 level, simply by virtue of their maths set.
The course textbook is 'Essential Maths 9H' by David Rayner, chosen for its mathematical thoroughness, interest and compatibility with the National Curriculum. Other materials from various sources supplement this text.
Students continue to have seven 45-minute lessons per fortnight and will be expected to spend approximately 60 minutes on homework each week. Furthermore, they will be tested at regular intervals throughout year 9 and there is a school exam just after Easter.
Click here for proposed test dates.