Numeracy is one of our main school priorities, not just in this subject but across the curriculum. 
Students have the opportunity to play chess at breaktimes and lunchtimes in the library. 
Mathematics remains very popular at A level, and we also offer further mathematics to allow students to push themselves.
Curriculum
Having strong number skills is associated with improved health, financial security and happiness in later life. At Isleworth & Syon, we are equally as proud of the fact that we are preparing our boys for a better future as we are of our strong examination results and the number of boys who go on to study mathematics at university.
View the staff team|
Curriculum Leader |
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| Mr S Everett | |
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Deputy Curriculum Leader |
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| Mr J Barry | |
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Assistant Curriculum Leader |
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| Mr M Issa | |
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Teaching Staff |
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| Mr S Akrofi | Mr D Baum |
| Ms B Conway | Mr E Ferguson |
| Miss E Highfield | Mr P King |
| Mrs E Quansah | |
Summary
We start with a strong focus on number skills so that pupils are not only fluent in the basics, but can apply them to different settings, identify misconceptions and use them to solve problems. In Year 7, students sit the Level 1 and 2 Isleworth & Syon Number Awards. Our aim is to stretch and challenge our pupils but only to move on in our teaching when they understand the essential building blocks. At all stages, extension activities are available in the form of more challenging problems aimed both at developing a deep understanding of the topic and making the next steps in gaining knowledge.
Curriculum Content
Curriculum
Number Properties 1
Developing strong mental and written maths abilities and an appreciation for the size of numbers represented in different forms.
Number Properties 2
Recognising special numbers such as squares and cubes. Working on problems involving factors and multiples.
Geometry and Measures
Measure angles and solve missing angle problems. Calculate the area and perimeter of shapes such as rectangles and triangles.
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Understand the equivalency between fractions, decimals and percentages; use these to compare proportions of amounts.
Approximation
Round to a given number of decimal places or significant figures. Check calculations are accurate using estimation.
Proportion
Divide amounts in a given ration. Understand the relationship between ratios and fractions of a total.
Algebra 1
Substitute in to formulae. Understand algebraic notation and simplify expressions.
Algebra 2
Solve linear equations. Expand a bracket.
Ratio and Scale
Construct and interpret scale drawings.
Assessment
Ongoing assessments
Regular informal assessments in class will allow students to demonstrate fluency, reasoning, application, a knowledge of misconceptions and the ability to solve problems. These are all collected in the Mastery Folders that each of our boys has at school. Teachers respond to the work in these booklets to indicate the next steps in learning. There are also end-of-term assessments which cover the topics studied in that term.
The Isleworth & Syon Awards
These awards are designed to check pupils’ understanding of the core mathematical skills. There is a Level 1 and Level 2 award which pupils sit according to ability; the opportunity is there for pupils to progress from one to the other. This assessment is in the form of a formal examination.
End of Year
End-of-year examinations provide the opportunity for boys to demonstrate the progress they have made towards becoming rounded mathematicians.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA sheets will be uploaded in due course.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 7 curriculum.
- Number and Measure L1 Skills and Examples – details of the content of the Level 1 Award and example questions
- Number and Measure L2 Skills and Examples – details of the content of the Level 2 Award and example questions – aimed at the most able students
Curriculum
Sequences and Graphs
Spot patterns and continue sequences. Find the position to term rule of an arithmetic sequence. Plot the graph of a linear function.
Collecting and Interpreting Data
Know how to describe different types of data. Be able to construct and critically interpret bar charts, line graphs and pie charts. Use the three averages and range to describe and compare multiple data sets.
Shape Properties
Be able to identify common 2D and 3D shapes from a description of their properties. Be able to annotate geometric drawings.
Transformations
Understand the meaning of congruent and similar. Carry out and describe enlargements from a point. Transform and describe rotations.
Probability
Understand the probability scale and be able to find the probability of an even not happening given the probability that it will happen. Carry out experiments to estimate the probability of something happening.
Triangles and Constructions
Solve problems involving missing lengths in similar shapes. Construct triangles using protractors, pairs of compasses and rulers.
Interpreting Data
Construct scatter diagrams and describe the relationship shown between two variables. Understand the difference between interpolation and extrapolation. Draw and extract information from stem and leaf diagrams.
Circles
Identify and label the key parts of a circle. Solve problems involving circle areas and perimeters.
Solving Equations and Inequalities
Solve one and two-step equations including with brackets. Create an equation from a worded problem.
Plotting and Sketching Graphs
Construct linear and quadratic graphs. Use conversion graphs. Explain the difference between negative and positive gradient.
Assessment
Ongoing assessments
Regular informal assessments in class will allow students to demonstrate fluency, reasoning, application, a knowledge of misconceptions and the ability to solve problems. These are all contained in the Mastery Folders that each of our boys has at school. Teachers respond to the work in these booklets to indicate the next steps in learning.
Termly and End of Year
Examinations provide the opportunity for boys to demonstrate the progress they have made towards becoming rounded mathematicians.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA sheets will be uploaded in due course.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 8 curriculum.
Summary
GCSE Mathematics
Level: GCSE
Examination Board: Edexcel
Curriculum
Number
- Integers and place value
- Decimals
- Indices, powers and roots
- Factors, multiples and primes
Algebra
- The basics
- Expanding and factorising single brackets
- Expressions and substitution into formulae
Graphs, tables and charts
- Tables, charts and graphs
- Pie charts
- Scatter graphs
Fractions, decimals and percentages
Equations, inequalities and sequences
Angles
- Properties of shapes, parallel lines and angle facts
- Interior and exterior angles of polygons
Averages and range
- Statistics and sampling
- The different averages
Perimeter, area and volume
Number
- Calculations and checking
- Indices, roots, hierarchy of operations
- Factors, multiples and primes
- Standard form and surds
Algebra
- Basics
- Setting up, rearranging and solving equations
- Sequences
Graphs
- Basics and real-life graphs
- Linear graphs and coordinate geometry
- Quadratic, cubic and other graphs
Area and volume
- Perimeter, area and circles
- 3D forms and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres
- Accuracy and bounds
Transformation and constructions
- Transformations
- Constrictions, loci and bearings
Interpreting and representing data
- Averages and range
- resenting and interpreting data
- Scatter graphs
Fractions, ratio and proportion
- Fractions
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
Assessment
Ongoing assessments
Regular informal assessments in class will allow students to demonstrate fluency, reasoning, application, a knowledge of misconceptions and the ability to solve problems. These are all contained in the Mastery Folders that each of our boys has at school. Teachers respond to the work in these booklets to indicate the next steps in learning.
Termly and End of Year
Examinations provide the opportunity for boys to demonstrate the progress they have made towards becoming rounded mathematicians. Tests in Year 9 start to include questions from GCSE examinations.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA sheets will be uploaded in due course.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 9 curriculum.
Curriculum
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
Graphs, tables and charts
- Tables, charts and graphs
- Pie charts
- Scatter graphs
Graphs
- Real-life graphs
- Straight-line graphs
Averages and range
- Statistics and sampling
- The averages
Transformations
- Translations, rotations and reflections
- Enlargements and combinations
Probability
Right-angles triangles
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
Multiplicative reasoning
Constructions, loci and bearings
- Plans and elevations
- Constructions, loci and bearings
Quadratic equations and graphs
- Expanding and factorising
- Quadratic graphs
Perimeter, area and volume
- Circles, cylinders, cones and spheres
Graphs
- Basics and real-life graphs
- Linear graphs and coordinate geometry
- Quadratic, cubic and other graphs
Transformation and constructions
- Transformations
- Constrictions, loci and bearings
Interpreting and representing data
- Averages and range
- Representing and interpreting data
- Scatter graphs
Further statistics
- Collecting data
- Cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms
Angles and trigonometry
- Polygons, angles and parallel lines
- Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
Equations and inequalities
- Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations
- Inequalities
Probability
- Equations and graphs
- Quadratics, expanding more than two brackets, sketching graphs, graphs of circles, cubes and quadratics
Circle theorems and circle geometry
Assessment
Ongoing assessment in class provides opportunities for feedback on how pupils can improve. An end of year exam gives a measure how pupils are progressing towards the examinations in Year 11.
External examinations in Year 10 are for GCSE Statistics (see below), not GCSE Mathematics.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA sheets will be uploaded in due course.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 10 curriculum.
- NRICH – resources, articles and challenges for able lower secondary pupils.
- Heggarty Maths – an incredible free resource with videos on all topics. This is a highly recommended site.
Curriculum
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
- Algebra, equations, inequalities and sequences
- Angles, perimeter, area and volume
- Transformations
- Ratio and proportion
- Right-angles triangles
- Construction, loci and bearings
- Quadratic equations and graphs
- Fractions, indices and standard form
- Congruence, similarity and vectors
- Standard form and surds
- Percentages
- Solving equations and simplifying algebraic fractions
- Proportion, ratio and scale
- Function notation
- Transformations
- Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
- Circle geometry
- Direct and indirect proportion
- Solving quadratic equations
- Transformations of graphs
Assessment
Written examination (calculator 1) – 1 hour 30 minutes – 33.3% of GCSE
Written examination (calculator 2) – 1 hour 30 minutes – 33.3% of GCSE
Written examination (non-calculator) – 1 hour 30 minutes – 33.3% of GCSE
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 11 curriculum.
- PiXL Maths – an excellent tool for identifying areas to work on and videos to help students to improve.
- NRICH – resources, articles and challenges for able lower secondary pupils.
- Heggarty Maths – an incredible free resource with videos on all topics. This is a highly recommended site.
GCSE Statistics
Level: GCSE
Examination Board: Edexcel
Curriculum
Topics are integrated with the GCSE Mathematics curriculum above.
Assessment
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 10 curriculum.
- BBC Bitesize: GCSE Statistics – several videos applying the statistics taught in the course to the real world.
- YouTube: Statistics Revision Videos – good explanations of some key topics.
Summary
A level Mathematics
Level: A-Level
Examination Board: Edexcel
Curriculum
In Year 12, students take the following topics:
- Pure, covering the following topics: Algebra & Functions, Coordinate Geometry in the (x,y) plane, Sequences & Series, Differentiation, and Integration.
- Statistics, covering the following topics: Measures of Spread, Probability, Correlation, Regression, Discrete Random Variables and the Normal Distribution.
- Mechanics, covering the following topics: Kinematics, Collisions, Dynamics, Statics, Moments and Vectors
In Year 13, students will continue to study Pure, Statistics and Mechanics, expanding on the concepts they start in Year 12.
Assessment
Examinations
Assessment is by examination at the end of Year 13. This consists of three 2-hour written papers – the first two papers cover pure mathematics and paper 3 is the statistics and mechanics paper. Each paper is weighted equally and each paper can cover topics covered in either Year 12 or Year 13.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, in order to view activities and discussion points for mathematics. You can log in with the following details:
Pass: theday
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 12 curriculum.
- Heggarty Maths – an incredible free resource with videos on all topics. This is a highly recommended site.
- Exam solutions – videos explaining how to complete past exam questions. The best way to use this website is to attempt the question and then compare your working with the video.
- Chess club
- UK Maths Challenge activities (Junior, Intermediate, Senior)
- Team mathematics competitions