Mathematics
The Mathematics Department is a large, dynamic department which currently employs eleven members of staff. The department has a reputation for obtaining excellent results at IGCSE, AS and A Level. The teachers work together to ensure that these standards are maintained.
Enrichment Opportunities
The Mathematics Relay
The event takes place every year in January usually at the University of Cyprus. This is an event where teams from different schools in Cyprus compete in the solution of mathematical problems.
The World Maths Day
All Key stage 3 and year 10 students have the opportunity to participate in the ‘World Maths Day’ competition. It is an exciting event involving around 5.5 million students from over 200 countries which takes place in March and lasts for 48 hours. Pupils can participate from home or school.
Mathematics focus week
During the week we invite students and teachers to participate in a variety of activities which take place at break times. These may include solving wooden puzzles, solving the Rubik’s cube against time, competing in countdown, estimating the number of tin- can tops in a jar, playing sudoku, chess, building a tower with wooden blocks, solving challenge questions and others.
In addition, students compete in a Mathematics relay during their lessons and those who have participated in the “Euromaths” competition can present to their peers their projects or posters. A Mathematics Pie (Pi) Bake Sale also takes place at the end of the week with proceeds given to charity.
The Cyprus Maths Olympiad
This event takes place in April, usually, at the University of Cyprus. The Olympiad consists of a multiple-choice answer style paper which lasts for one hour. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded at the end of the academic year at a special ceremony. Students who register for the Olympiad are offered guidance during challenge club sessions for tackling questions, at set times before the event.
Mathematics trips
During activities week y9 or y10 students have the opportunity to visit the Mathematics department at the University of Cyprus and/or the Nicosia University.
Booster classes
Booster classes are offered for those who need extra support in key stage 3 and year 12.
Challenge club
The club offers training for events mentioned above and is available for all key stages.
Strategic games club
Available for those who want to improve their thinking skills.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
During Years 7 and 8, the Key Stage 3 syllabus provides a solid foundation for the future years, consolidating their knowledge of number, algebra, shape and space and data handling and developing the pupils’ awareness of mathematical concepts in real-life situations.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils are shown how to use the calculator for complex operations but are also encouraged to use mental arithmetic whenever possible.
Furthermore, the department offers booster lessons to students in key stage 3. These are usually teacher recommended and they run throughout the year helping students overcome their difficulties in the subject.
More able pupils are challenged with extension work through differentiation in lessons. They are also encouraged to join the Mathematics challenge club and participate in local/national mathematics competitions.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE
In key stage 4, pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE (1-9) Higher tier course. The course introduces advanced number work, geometry, sets and more complex algebraic manipulation.
In Year 11 pupils continue with the IGCSE course, delving in topics such as differentiation, three-dimensional geometry, vectors, algebra, and more applied Mathematics. They take the external IGCSE examination at the end of this year.
The textbooks used by the department are the Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A, book 1 and 2, by Pearson.
In addition, for the more able pupils in Mathematics, an accelerated group takes their external IGCSE Mathematics examination in year 10. The group continues with the Edexcel Further Pure Mathematics IGCSE (9-1) course taking the external examination at the end of year 11. This course challenges the more able and helps with transition to A level.
Pupils are encouraged to use mental calculation wherever appropriate but are also taught how to use calculators when dealing with problems involving more complex calculations.
EDEXCEL Mathematics IGCSE
EDEXCEL 4MA1
What Will I Learn?
The key subject aims are to enable students to:
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Develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques
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Acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas.
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Enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts and become confident to use mathematics to solve problem
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Appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, it is anticipated that The Senior School students will follow the ‘Higher Tier’ curriculum and that they will be examined at this level.
What Sort of Homework Will I Be Set?
You will be set exercises from textbooks as well as past paper questions to practise the mathematical skills you have been studying in class. There will also be work set on investigations or revision for tests. Homework will be set on a daily basis.
How is the Course Examined?
The course is 100% examination with 2 written papers of 2 hours each.
Higher Tier Students will take papers 1H and 2H. The Higher Tier papers are targeted at grades 9-4 with 3 allowed.
Foundation Tier Students will take papers 1F and 2F. The Foundation Tier papers are targeted at grades 5-1.
EDEXCEL Further Pure Mathematics IGCSE
EDEXCEL 4PM1
This course is for the accelerated group only
What Will I Learn?
The International GCSE in Further Pure Mathematics qualification enables students to:
- study knowledge of mathematical techniques beyond International GCSE Mathematics content
- provide a course of study for those whose mathematical competence may have developed early
- develop an understanding of mathematical reasoning and processes, and the ability to relate different areas of mathematics
- acquire knowledge and skills with confidence, satisfaction and enjoyment
- develop mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas.
What Sort of Homework Will I Be Set?
You will be set exercises from textbooks as well as past papers questions to practice your mathematical skills you have been studying. There will also be work set on investigations or revision for assessments.
How is the Course Examined?
At the end of the course you will be required to take 2 written papers of 2 hours each.
Sixth Form: International AS and A level
In year 12, pupils follow the Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary syllabus, with the units Pure Mathematics 1, Pure Mathematics 2 and Statistics 1, examined at the end of the year.
In year 13 pupils continue with the Edexcel International A level taking the units Pure Mathematics 3 and 4 and Statistics 2 examined at the end of year 13.
In addition, pupils who excel in the IGCSE examination achieving a high grade 8 or 9, can take alongside the Mathematics A level course, a second course of Further Mathematics. This includes the units of Decision1, Further Pure 1 and Mechanics 1 in year 12 and Further Pure 2, Mechanics 2 and Statistics 3, in year 13.
Having two Mathematics qualifications is useful when you want to study Mathematics or Engineering and any other related subjects at university.
EDEXCEL AS and A level Mathematics
International A level: EDEXCEL XMA11/YMA11
What will I learn?
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P1, P2 |
Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) y plane; |
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sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; |
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differentiation; integration. |
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Statistics S1 |
Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary of data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables; discrete distributions; the Normal distribution. |
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P3, P4 |
Algebra and functions; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) y plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration; vectors; numerical methods. |
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Statistics S2 |
The Binomial and Poisson distributions; continuous random |
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variables; continuous distributions; samples; hypothesis tests |
How is the course assessed?
At the end of Year 12 you will sit three written papers, each of 1 hour 30 minutes for the IAS qualification. At the end of Year 13 you will sit a further three written papers of 1 hour 30 minutes each for the IAL qualification.
What are the GCSE entry requirements for the course?
Students would benefit if they have achieved a high A or A* at IGCSE
Future Career Choices
The course prepares you for careers such as Banking, Management & Finance, Chartered Accountant, Teacher, Law, Economics & Trade, Business, Engineering, Astronomy, and many more.
EDEXCEL AS and A level Further Mathematics
International A level: EDEXCEL XFM01/YFM01
What will I learn?
Year 12
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Decision Mathematics D1 |
algorithms; algorithms on graphs, the route inspection problem; linear programming; matchings. |
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Mechanics M1
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Mathematical models in Mechanics; vectors in mechanics; kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; statics of a particle; moments. |
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Further Pure FP1 |
Series; complex numbers; numerical solution of equations; coordinate systems, matrix algebra, proof. |
Year 13
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Mechanics M2
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Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; centres of mass; work and energy; collisions; statics of rigid bodies. |
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Further Pure FP2
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Inequalities; series, first order differential equations; second order differential equations; further complex numbers, Maclaurin and Taylor series. |
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Statistics 3 |
Combinations of random variables; sampling estimation; confidence intervals and tests; goodness of fit and contingency tables; regression and correlation. |
How is the course assessed?
At the end of Year 12 you will sit three written papers, each of 1 hour 30 minutes for the IAS qualification. At the end of Year13 you will sit three further written papers, each of 1 hour 30 minutes for the IAL qualification.
What are the GCSE entry requirements for the course?
Students should have achieved a high A* at IGCSE on average throughout the year.
Future Career Choices
The course prepares you for careers such as Banking, Management & Finance, Chartered Accountant, Teacher, Law, Economics & Trade, Business, Engineering, Astronomy, Mathematical research and many more.
