Maths Department Visit (October 2018)
Earlier this month I visited the Maths Department and met with Miss Marcham, Head of Maths.
In our discussions we reviewed the GCSE and A Level results for 2018. The GCSE results were the best on record and the A Level results were better than the previous year. Equally impressive is the fact that the Maths results are 7% better than the national average at Grade 4 and above and 4% above the national average at Grade 7 and above – a fantastic outcome for the pupils and the Department!
The staff have had to accommodate many changes within the curriculum in the last two years which in itself is challenging and hard work to incorporate. Miss Marcham advised me that textbooks arrived before specs from the examining body, and the specs were only received in April giving staff added pressure in having to write schemes of work before the start of the new academic year.
Miss Marcham also commented on how difficult the new A Level curriculum is with a result of 53% or above earning an A grade for AS level and 60% or above for an A grade at A level. Whilst there is similar content, the text has been delivered in a very different way and this has been challenging for both teachers and pupils. Furthermore, Maths staff who had previously chosen to teach either Mechanics or Statistics were now required to teach both subjects. This has caused added pressure to teachers who have had to familiarise themselves with a whole new subject.
The department is extremely fortunate to have experienced and consistent staffing and despite the “difficulties” outlined above, the exam results speak for themselves.
My visit was both a positive and engaging experience and I would like to thank Miss Marcham and the team for making me feel so welcome.
Clare Rimell
Governor (10/10/2018)