Mathematics
The Mathematics department occupies six teaching rooms of which most are equipped with the latest interactive white boards and one teaching room contains a suite of fifteen computers.
Key Stage 3 and 4
Mathematics is taught as a core subject in ability sets to all pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 then as a popular optional subject at A/S and A level.
From the beginning of Year 7 mathematics is taught in sets and it continues to be set up to Year 11. The department continuously reviews individual progress and where appropriate, movement between sets is possible.
The syllabus for Years 7 - 9 is based on levels 5 to 8 of the National Curriculum. In Years 10 and 11 all pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics linear course. The department follows the new SMP Interact Course, which uses a variety of teaching approaches in order to stimulate pupils and foster their understanding and enjoyment of mathematics. Assessments take place on a class basis throughout the year. Students benefit from small class sizes where the needs of the individual can be better catered for. At GCSE, students on average achieve results in excess of one grade higher than nationally recognised predictions.
Mathematics in the Sixth Form
Mathematics continues to be the most popular A/S and A level subject. The course followed is the modular Edexcel. We usually have two sets following the A level course consisting of six modules and one or two sets following the A level and Further Mathematics course with a view to taking nine or more usually twelve modules. A variety of modules are offered including pure mathematics, mechanics, statistics, and decision mathematics. Unlike many schools, where Further Mathematics is taught after school or at lunchtimes, at Kent College Further mathematics is taught in regular timetabled lessons. Teaching staff have considerable expertise at this level and students achieve excellent results, 78% A/B grade at A level Mathematics last year.
The Maths Department very much offers an “open door” policy with students feeling they can pop in for extra help when they need it. In addition we run clinics after school and at lunchtime where more individual help can be offered. These are much appreciated especially by sixth form pupils resittting modules.
Extra-Curricular
All students are able to enter the national mathematical challenge competitions. Several students have been invited to take part in the British Mathematical Olympiads and International competitions. The school also sends teams to several team challenge competitions.
The department also run an annual problem solving competition for Year 6 pupils from local Junior and Prep schools.
