Maths

Welcome to the Maths Faculty

At Belper School and Sixth Form College, the Maths Faculty is committed to helping every student grow in confidence, knowledge, and skill through engaging and supportive teaching. Our passionate team delivers a wide range of maths courses across all Key Stages in supportive, welcoming classrooms, with a focus on excellent learning for all.

We believe every student can succeed in maths. Through a mastery-based approach, we support students in developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts so they can build strong foundations, reason logically, and solve problems with confidence.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

In Years 7 to 9, students are taught in mixed-ability groups, all working towards the same core learning goals. Each class has 6 lessons per fortnight.

We follow a mastery-based approach, which means students are encouraged to explore each concept in depth before moving on. This helps ensure secure learning and strong problem-solving skills that can be built on year after year.

Some students may benefit from more targeted support. For them, we offer a smaller group led by a subject specialist, following the same curriculum with tailored activities to suit individual learning needs.

Equipment

To support their learning, all students are expected to bring key maths equipment to lessons:

  • A scientific calculator (we recommend the Casio Classwiz fx-83GT, available via ParentPay)
  • A protractor, compasses, and ruler (available from the school shop at lunchtime)

Homework & Online Learning

All students have free access to MathsWatch, a helpful online platform for revision and homework. Homework is set fortnightly:

  • KS3: Monday of Week 1
  • KS4: Monday of Week 2

MathsWatch is also an excellent tool for independent study. Log-in details are available from your child’s maths teacher.

 

Year 7

Year 7 Topics

  • Place Value (integers and decimals)
  • Arithmetic (four operations)
  • Algebra (expressions and forming equations)
  • Properties of Number (factors, primes, HCF, LCM)
  • Perimeter and Area
  • Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
  • Coordinates (including four quadrants)
  • Transformations
  • Ratio and Proportion

Year 8

Year 8 Topics

  • Sequences
  • Straight Line Graphs
  • Estimation and Rounding
  • Percentages and Proportion
  • Representing and Analysing Statistics
  • Perimeter, Area, and Volume (2D and 3D shapes)

Year 9

Year 9 Topics

  • Polygons (angles and properties)
  • Constructions (bisecting lines and angles)
  • Expressions and Formulae (building algebra fluency)
  • Pythagoras’ Theorem and Similarity
  • Probability
  • Special Sequences (e.g. Fibonacci, quadratic)
  • Index Laws and Standard Form
  • Graphical Representations of Real-World Data

Assessment at Key Stage 3

We use a variety of assessment methods in class, including low stakes quizzes, mini whiteboard tasks and retrieval practice to monitor progress and inform teaching.

Formal written assessments take place as follows:

  • Year 7 – Spring Term
  • Year 8 – Autumn & Summer Terms
  • Year 9 – Autumn & Summer Terms

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) – GCSE Maths

GCSE Maths

Exam Board: AQA
Course Code: 8300

Students follow the AQA GCSE Mathematics course, assessed at the end of Year 11 through three exam papers (each 1.5 hours).

  • Paper 1: Non-calculator
  • Papers 2 & 3: Calculator allowed

There are two tiers of entry:

  • Foundation Tier: Grades 1–5
  • Higher Tier: Grades 4–9

Students are placed in the tier most suited to their ability, based on performance throughout the course.

Students have 8 lessons per fortnight, and homework is regularly set to support in-class learning. Independent study is essential, and students are encouraged to review topics frequently and practise problem-solving at home.

Our commitment to mastery continues at Key Stage 4, helping students build fluency, think mathematically, and apply their skills in real-world contexts.

Key Stage 4 Equipment

Students must bring:

  • A scientific calculator (Casio Classwiz fx-83GT – available via ParentPay)
  • A protractor, compasses, and ruler (available from the school shop at lunchtime)

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form, Years 12–13)

A Level Maths

We offer three post-16 pathways in maths, designed to meet a range of future ambitions. Across all Sixth Form courses, we continue to emphasise mastery, helping students explore ideas in depth, make connections between topics, and tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence.

Core Maths Course (AQA, Code: 1350)

Core Maths is a one-year Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an AS Level) for students who achieved at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths. It is designed for those who want to continue developing their mathematical skills but are not taking A Level Maths.

This course is ideal for students studying subjects such as Psychology, Biology, Geography, Business, and Economics, where numerical reasoning and data handling are essential.

Why Core Maths?

Core Maths focuses on practical, real-world maths and builds skills that are incredibly valuable in everyday life, higher education, and employment. Students will learn how to:

  • Analyse and interpret data
  • Calculate and compare interest rates
  • Understand personal finance, mortgages, and taxation
  • Make reasoned estimates and assumptions
  • Apply statistics and probability in real-life contexts

It helps students become more confident and critical when dealing with numbers—whether that’s reading a payslip, evaluating statistics in the news, or planning a budget.

Topics include:

  • Data analysis
  • Personal finance
  • Estimation and problem solving
  • Correlation and regression
  • Normal distribution
  • Recap of key GCSE topics in context

Assessment: Two exams at the end of Year 12, each lasting 1.5 hours.

Students who take Core Maths often say they are surprised by how relevant and useful it is. It supports success in other A Levels, helps with university applications, and shows employers that students can apply maths in real-world situations.

A Level Maths Course (AQA, Codes: 7356/7357)

A two-year course building on Higher Tier GCSE topics and introducing advanced mathematical skills.

Year 12:

  • Pure Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Statistics
    (Assessed by 2 x 1.5-hour exams)

Year 13:

  • Further study of all three areas
    (Assessed by 3 x 2-hour exams)

This course supports students in achieving mastery by encouraging deep thinking, mathematical reasoning, and resilience when solving unfamiliar or complex problems.

A Level Further Maths

A Level Further Maths Course (AQA, Codes: 7366/7367)

Further Maths is ideal for students with a real passion for the subject and is highly recommended for those considering degrees in:

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering
  • Physics
  • Computer Science

Year 12:

  • Pure Mathematics
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Mechanics
    (Assessed by 2 x 1.5-hour exams)

Year 13:

  • Continued depth in the same areas
    (Assessed by 3 x 2-hour exams)

Further Maths offers a challenging yet rewarding journey into advanced mathematical theory. Students develop a mastery mindset, allowing them to work through complex material with confidence and curiosity.

Career Pathways with A Level Maths & Further Maths

  • Data Analyst or Statistician
  • Software and Game Design
  • Engineering and Aerodynamics
  • Scientific Research
  • Finance and Economics
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

We’re here to help every student achieve their full potential as mathematicians.