Mathematics

As a core subject Mathematics is taught at all levels throughout the school. As a department it is our aim that pupils of all abilities are able to gain success and satisfaction through understanding in this subject. We also aim to encourage a sense of enjoyment of the subject through relevant real-life activities and problems.
Classes are mixed ability in Lower Schoolroom (year 7) and
setted by ability thereafter.

A broad range of topics are covered in the Schoolrooms using the Formula One textbooks published by Hodder and Stoughton. These cover all areas of the National Curriculum at Key Stage Three. Work on numerical calculations, algebra, geometry and statistics provides a solid foundation for further study at GCSE level.

With the recent move to a two-tier GCSE it is envisaged that all pupils at Bootham will take the AQA Higher Tier GCSE in Mathematics (specification code 4301). Those taking these exams in summer 2008 will need to complete two coursework tasks representing a total of 20% of the final mark. After summer 2008 assessment will be by written examination only.

A-level Mathematics is a challenging and popular subject at Bootham. Considerable flexibility is available with the Edexcel modular course, allowing students to take additional modules to make an AS or A-level in Further Maths and to choose applied modules relevant to their other A-levels. Classes in Pure Maths are setted by ability, allowing more able students to work at a faster pace giving time for the Further Pure modules in the second year. Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths modules are taught in mixed ability classes. An increasing number of our students continue to study maths at degree level after leaving Bootham.

Over the last few years Bootham pupils have enjoyed much success in the UKMT Maths Challenge competitions. These challenges organised by the University of Leeds are separated into Junior, Intermediate and Senior competitions with mathematical problems to be solved in a limited time without the use of calculators. We also enter the Team Challenge against teams from other local schools. Last summer our Lower Schoolroom (year 7) pupils enjoyed a Maths Trial around York solving mathematical problems in real-life situations. A team of Lower Senior (year 10) pupils represented the school in the North Yorkshire Stock Market Challenge, where they had to make quick decisions as a team buying and selling shares in fictitious companies.