The Mathematics Department at S.Peter’s School will provide for all students mathematical experiences through spiritual, moral, cultural and social contexts – irrespective of their background, ability, sex or race. These experiences should help the students to acquire the mathematical skills and understanding they need as they journey through life.

The Department also hope that students will come to appreciate that whilst being an important tool in other subjects, Mathematics is a subject in its own right, and that there is a sense of awe and wonder to behold within its boundaries.

The Department seeks to develop in each student the following:

1. A positive attitude towards mathematics by:

• seeing it as an interesting and attractive subject
• helping them to appreciate the creative and aesthetic aspects of the subject
• ensuring that persistence through sustained work is rewarded
• giving credit and praise to improve confidence
• encouraging students to themselves challenging targets
• use of the Department web site with especial reference to puzzles and challenges

2. Sound numerical skills by:

• ensuring that calculators are used sensibly and efficiently
• the use of starters and plenaries to promote the use of mental skills
• insisting that they learn relevant concepts and facts

3. A willingness to use algebraic skills by:

• exploring mathematical patterns and sequences
• identifying functional relationships
• using correct and appropriate mathematical notation and language
• using mathematics to model real-life situations

4. Raising spatial awareness by:

• fostering an appreciation of the nature of space
• encouraging them to use different representations
• exploring properties of shape and space through the drawing and practical work
• using appropriate Software packages to investigate transformations

5. An understanding of statistical enquiry by:

• encouraging them to formulate their own hypotheses
• collecting data from a range of sources by an appropriate sampling technique
• communicating their findings through an appropriate and relevant charts and diagrams
• using IT to facilitate the efficient data analysis and simulations
• engaging in practical and experimental work
• looking critically at the presentation of information
• evaluating their work and recognising the limitations or bias within their work

6. An ability to use and apply Mathematics by:

• raising an awareness of Mathematics across the curriculum
• relating appropriate mathematical problems to life itself
• developing an understanding through enquiry and experience
• expressing problems in mathematical terms as an aid to their solution
• fostering an ability to think clearly and logically with independence of thought and flexibility of mind.

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