As essential life skill Mathematics will, quite rightly, always be at the forefront of our academic attentions. However we also recognise that ultimately it is an essential life skill beyond the realms of the classroom or the examination hall.

Mathematics is not just about numbers. It’s about thinking logically, finding patterns, looking for links, and finding out ‘what if I…’ While our final goal for the pupils at The Junior is Common Entrance and Scholarships examinations, we are much more concerned with building fascination and engendering enthusiasm. We do this by teaching not just the how, but, much more importantly, the why.

Our aim in mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple. We aim for our pupils to foster an enthusiasm for numbers and to develop the confidence and inclination to solve a variety of problems. Solving ‘real life’ problems and puzzles play a part in all of our lessons. What drives us all forward as teachers is the ‘light bulb’ moment, where a child (who may have been struggling with a concept for some lessons) suddenly says: ”So that’s why!" If we make this happen at least once a day, we're going in the right direction!

A variety of teaching styles are used in our lessons so that we cater for the needs of all our pupils. We have excellent communication and liaison with the Learning Support department so that the needs of all pupils are met. All pupils are positively encouraged to seek advice from any Maths staff whenever they have any doubt or uncertainty in their understanding.

We aim to build solid foundations in every pupil and push others to a much higher level. To achieve their potential, we expect every pupilto try his or her hardest and to trust that we will not push them beyond what they can do.
Children at The Junior regularly take part in maths competitions including the Primary Mathematics Challenge and UK Junior Mathematics Challenge. Additionally a group of students from Years 8 and 9 participate in the UK Team Mathematics Challenge each year. We are also aiming to be a part of ‘World Maths Day’ in March, which allows pupils of all ages to participate in mathematical challenges against other pupils from all over the world.

Finally, during Year 8, pupils will have the opportunity to practice examination style questions so that they are fully prepared for the examinations that are coming their way. We never, however, lose sight of the fact that there is more to life than exams!

Phil Williams, Head of Mathematics