Mathematics

Mr. David Chochla and Mr. Matthew Hubert

The importance of Mathematics
"The ability to think mathematically is very important for all members of a modern society: for its use
in the workplace; personal and family business; and to help one make rational decisions about the
many risks we face in our lives. To this end, we endeavour to make the topics studied at school as
relevant to real-life situations as possible. Mathematics is also fundamental to national prosperity: it
helps in the understanding of science, engineering, technology and finance the key ingredients of a
successful modern economy. Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe,
analyse and to change the world for the better."

Objectives
To provide an accessible yet challenging course in Mathematics for all students which builds upon
the Key Stage 3 Numeracy Strategy (National Curriculum) and prepares students for everyday life
and the various International Baccalaureate courses.
Alongside the generic aims of the Pre-Diploma courses at the BSQ, the Mathematics courses aim to
enable students to:
enjoy Mathematics and appreciate its power, elegance and usefulness both in its own
right and as a tool to be used in other disciplines
develop logical, critical and creative thinking
communicate clearly and confidently including through the use of the language of
mathematics
develop patience and persistence in solving problems.

Course outline
The courses at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) cover two years. Due to the structure and hierarchy
of mathematical processes, new mathematics needs to be built upon existing skills. Thus, the pre-
diploma course will be offered at two levels; Standard and Express.
The Standard course will be suitable for students who have, by the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9 -
aged 13/14), achieved success equivalent to a Level 6 or below in the National Curriculum of
England and Wales. This will give students access to an International Baccalaureate Mathematical
Studies course (Standard Level).
The Express course will be suitable for students who have, by the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9 - aged
13/14), achieved success equivalent to a Level 7 or higher in the National Curriculum of England and
Wales. This will prepare students to take Mathematics SL (Standard Level) or Mathematics HL
(Higher Level) at IB. This equates to achieving a BSQ grade 5+ or higher for the end of year 10.
Use of Calculators
Both courses build upon students existing skills of mental and written calculations but also require
the use of a scientific calculator. Students should have a scientific calculator, for example the Casio
Natural Display range (or equivalent).Graphic Display Calculators will not be permitted for
examinations.

Assessment
The final report grade is based on the following criteria:
Knowledge and Understanding
Investigations
Communication (use of mathematical language and forms of representation)
Independent Reflection and Problem Solving
Summative Tests