Lisnagarvey High School

Photo Galleries

View our online photo galleries

School Calendar

Plan your academic year with our school calendar

Online Forum

Have your say on our online forum

Student Profile

View our monthly student profiles

Parents

Room Booking Facility

Click here to book a computer room

Overview

Staff

Mr G Smyth (Head of Department), Mr C Bell

“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics, I assure you that mine are greater.” Albert Einstein

The Importance of Mathematics

Mathematics, far from being abstract and boring, is the driver of the modern world. Mobile phones, the internet, Playstations all depend on mathematics to drive their technology forward. In studying maths, our pupils will be equipped with a powerful set of tools to understand and deal with the modern world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think ‘outside of the box’.

Departmental Aim

Our aim is to make learning maths an enjoyable and inspiring experience, which will enable all pupils to realise their own mathematical potential.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Our junior school curriculum seeks to provide the necessary skills and personal capabilities to encourage pupils in their study of mathematics and allow them to progress at Key Stage 4 and beyond. Pupils are taught across four main strands of study: Number; Algebra; Shape, Space and Measures; Data Handling. A strong focus of our work at Key Stage 3 is on active learning; these ‘hands-on’ experiences help pupils to develop a concrete understanding of core mathematical concepts.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Mathematics: Pupils follow the AQA Modular specification across a two year course, working at either Higher Tier (A* to D) or Foundation Tier (C to G). Half of the content is examined in Year 11 and half in Year 12; we find this benefits pupils and enables’ them to target and prioritise their revision.

GCSE Additional Mathematics: This course is offered to pupils wishing to further their study of mathematics at Key Stage 4, and as preparation for Advanced Level studies. Pupils follow the CCEA specification, with exam assessment at the end of Year 12.

Living Mathematics: This is an alternative option offered at Key Stage 4 by CCEA, which is aimed at pupils who benefit from continual assessment and coursework, rather than exam based qualifications. This course seeks to provide pupils with a strong working knowledge of practical mathematics in the real world.

Departmental Facilities and Resources

The Mathematics department in Lisnagarvey is extremely well resourced, with two interactive whiteboards, a computer suite and a wide range of practical mathematics puzzle stations. Over the course of each year all pupils must undertake at least one mathematical project which incorporates the use of ICT, for example our Year 8’s produce a revision presentation, based on their study of fractions, using Powerpoint software.

Additional Information

The Mathematics Department offers a supported study programme after school for both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils. During this time pupils can get help and guidance with their maths; we have found this to be particularly useful in helping pupils who lack confidence in their mathematical skills, to progress and engage successfully with their studies.

Mathematics

Overview