The Mathematics Department

We have four well equipped interactive classrooms in the main part of the school and one classroom in the sixth form block. Each member of staff is allocated substantial desk space in the communal staff room. At present there are five teachers qualified to teach across the whole ability range. 

The whole department works very closely as a team. We meet weekly to share ideas, consult on whole school or departmental issues and plan for the future. The success of the department is due to the enthusiasm of its members to contribute substantially within the department and outside the classroom. Each member of the department has I an individual responsibility for a particular area. A weekly departmental detention takes place which is supervised by a member of the department.

Key Stage 3
Students in years 7 to 9 are taught in four different ability groups, with a maximum group size of 15. We use ‘Impact Maths’ (Heinemann) textbooks allowing ease of movement between levels when necessary. Textbooks are well supplemented by a wide variety of other teaching materials and relevant resources, many of which have been produced by the department. We have set up a bank of relevant vocabulary for display purposes, SEN materials and mental mathematics support materials. Students in Years 7 and 8 do not use a calculator. In Year 9 they are permitted to use calculators when instructed by the teacher.

We use MyMaths as a teaching and assessment tool and as evidence when completing the QCDA APP document for Year 7 groups

Key Stage 4
At present we follow the new two tier linear Edexcel GCSE Mathematics specification (1380) with our students. Edexcel Entry level Certificate is also an option for some students. Each level has two final papers, one of which is non calculator. We use Oxford GCSE Maths for Edexcel textbooks which focuses on four different ability levels, each giving access to grade C. All members of the department contribute to GCSE teaching.

GCSE groups use ‘DARTMaths.’ An interactive resource containing presentations, exercises and student activities where the teacher can monitor progress online..

Mathematics in Years 12 and 13

AS and A level
We offer AS and A level Mathematics in years 12 and 13. At present we follow the Edexcel GCE specification. We teach C1, C2, S1 and M1 in Year 12 and C3, C4, S2 and M2 in Year 13. The majority of the members of the department contribute to AS/A level teaching. We use ‘Heinemann Modular Mathematics’ textbooks and supplement this with ‘Delphis’ tests and practice papers.

College Board SAT
All students must pass the Mathematics section of the SAT Reasoning Test if they are taking fewer than two AS levels, or achieve lower than a grade C in those two AS levels. The majority of the year 12 students will have one lesson a week to help prepare for the examination.  Three members of the department contribute to such lessons.

ICT
The department is extremely well resourced and comprises of four teaching rooms and a dedicated ICT suite. All main school classrooms have a RM interactive white board.  The internet is available to all students, under supervision. Each group currently has access, once a week, to the department computer suite where we have a RM interactive white board and thirteen PCs.

MyMaths is used regularly by KS3, KS4 and KS5 students. Online homework is set at least once a week with most classes.

The department is very involved in using ICT in lessons and we would particularly like to receive applications from candidates who can offer skills in this area.

Latifa School for Girls, P.O. Box 11533, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [t] +971 4 336 1065 [f] +971 4 336 1462 [e] admin@lsg.sch.ae

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