Governor Visit (Mathematics)
I visited the school on the 12th November in my capacity as Link Governor for Mathematics and met Miss Marcham, Head of Mathematics.
I was interested to know how the department has coped in the last difficult 18 months. It was evident that Miss Marcham has a strong team that pulled together through very challenging circumstances for staff, students, and parents.
The ethos for each group of students initially is very much about finding out where they are now, what their current knowledge is and taking it from there, teaching to their ability. Assessments are carried out every half term, helping to gauge that level.
Staff are monitored both informally and formally, including visits to classes.
There are structures for book checking in place to check on marking and the setting of homework. Homework is set in both book form and online. Students can receive feedback very quickly online.
Miss Marcham meets with other Heads of Maths in the area, where best practice can be shared.
Statistics can tell one side of a story, and the results are impressive but above all, the overarching aim seems to be for everyone to learn to enjoy maths, not to fear it. I wish my old maths department had delivered the same positive attitude!
Mr Chris Simpson, Parent Governor
November 2021
