Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

MATHEMATICS
Each year we hold inter-form team competitions with the winners going on to represent
the school in a national event. The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) organises
annual Mathematics Challenges for Junior, Intermediate and Senior age groups and we
enter large numbers of candidates, many of whom are invited to take part in follow-up
rounds. The UKMT runs a mentoring scheme for truly exceptional pupils, and teachers in
the department supervise individuals working from problem sheets.
What is Mathematics in the Lower School like?
We hope pupils will settle into the school quickly, and at first we will revise a number
of topics, like fractions and decimals, which pupils will have covered at Junior School.
However, for all pupils who need minimal revision, we have lots of extension material,
puzzle sheets and investigations, to keep everyone stimulated and stretched. Very soon,
however, we launch into the teaching of algebraic techniques. Greater importance is placed
on the ability to explain how answers are produced rather than what the answers actually
are. Much time is spent on the clear, concise and logical presentation of solutions.
Can I use a calculator?
The use of calculators is not encouraged until midway through the Second Year, because we
expect our pupils to be very good at mental and pencil-and-paper arithmetic.
What options are available to Sixth Form Mathematicians?
Our Sixth Formers take the OCR Mathematics course. This comprises of six units which
make up one A Level, four of which must be Pure Maths. The other two are selected from
units in Mechanics, Statistics and Discrete Maths.
How good do you have to be to do Maths at A Level?
It is recommended that all students taking Maths at A Level have a grade A or A* at GCSE.
The vast majority of candidates at Stockport Grammar School are in this category, which
enables us to make fast progress and teach beyond the syllabus.
Can I do Further Maths?
It is possible to study two A Levels in Maths. One could be called Single Maths and the
second Further Maths. Twelve different units must be chosen in total from the following
options: seven Pure, four Mechanics, four Statistics and two Discrete modules. Further
Maths should not be found more difficult than any other subject, but having gone into such
depth, the student should not encounter difficulty with Single Maths.
Do any of your A Level Maths pupils go on to study Maths at University?
Maths is a versatile subject and affords a sound training in a logical discipline. Those wishing
to read Maths and most forms of Engineering at university are advised to study both Maths
and Further Maths at A Level. Pupils who have studied Further Maths in the past have gone
on to read subjects such as Maths, Engineering, IT, Chemistry and Economics. A number of
students are prepared for entrance to Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Oxford requires
prospective Maths, Computer Science and Physics candidates to sit formal Maths entrance
examinations. The Cambridge Colleges make use of their Sixth Term Entrance Papers (STEP)
for Maths candidates.
What else goes on?
We regularly have pupils who qualify for the British Mathematical Olympiad at Junior,
Intermediate and Senior levels. We provide encouragement in school for suitable candidates.
For several years now we have had representatives in the UK National squad and one has
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