Maths
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Head of Department: TBC
Mathematics at Herne Bay High focuses on developing students' confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills through numbers, logic, and reasoning. We aim to equip students with the ability to think clearly, work methodically, and apply mathematical knowledge across all areas of the curriculum. Numeracy is a vital life skill, used in everyday decisions and essential in a wide range of careers. Our goal is to ensure every student can engage with the world around them through mathematical understanding, empowering them to be resilient, analytical, and ready for the challenges of the future.
The Mathematics Department at Herne Bay High School is a vibrant and dynamic team of 13 dedicated teachers who are passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. Our staff bring a wide range of experience and expertise, creating a collaborative environment where learners are challenged and supported at every stage of their mathematical journey.
We offer a broad and engaging curriculum from Year 7 through to A-level. At Post 16 students have the opportunity to study Core Mathematics and A_Levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, preparing them for a wide range of university courses and careers in science, technology, engineering, economics, and beyond.
The department also places a strong emphasis on revision and support outside the classroom. We offer regular revision sessions at lunchtime and after school, along with tailored support for exam preparation at both GCSE and A-level. Whether through small group work or one-to-one mentoring, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel confident in mathematics.
Teaching Staff
- Miss J Gipson - Head of Faculty
- Miss H Scott - Second in Department
- Mr Bahrawy
- Mr Craske
- Mr Green
- Mr Hopper
- Mrs Matigh
- Mrs Oluwanuga
- Mrs Okorie
- Mrs Rivers
- Mrs Soyode
- Miss Williams
Maths Clubs and Trips
- Maths club every lunchtime in Ma17
- Pi Day – 14th March
- Decimal Day – 10th October
- Canterbury Christ Church University PGCE Training Workshops
- Cross-Curricular Links
- Trips to Kent University
- Presentations/Talks by external providers (including the Further Maths Support Programme)
- Gifted and Talented Workshops
- Peer Maths Mentoring
- Origami Club
- Weekly Revision Sessions
- UKMT Maths Challenge participation
What do our children study?
GCSE
GCSE Mathematics is structured to assess students’ knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills across six key strands: number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability, and statistics. The qualification is offered at two tiers: Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9), allowing students to be assessed at an appropriate level of challenge. Both tiers follow the same curriculum topics, but the Higher tier includes more complex content and requires a deeper level of reasoning and fluency.
Assessment is through three written examination papers, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and carrying equal weighting (33.3% each) of the final grade. Paper 2 a non-calculator paper, while Papers 1 and 3 allow the use of a calculator. Each paper contains a mix of question styles, from short, one-mark questions to multi-step problems that assess mathematical reasoning, communication, and application.
The official OCR specification, which outlines the content, assessment objectives, and grade descriptors in detail, is available here: OCR GCSE Mathematics Specification (J560).
Further Maths Certificate
Students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for mathematics during their GCSE course may also be offered the opportunity to study for the Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics in Year 11. This qualification, assessed by AQA, extends beyond the standard GCSE content and introduces topics such as calculus, matrices, and more advanced algebra, providing excellent preparation for A-Level Mathematics. It is particularly well-suited to high-achieving students who are considering continuing their mathematical studies post-16.
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics
A-Level
Students who have successfully completed the Higher Level GCSE and have obtained a Grade 7 or higher are in a strong position to begin the A-Level course. It is important that all students wishing to study an A-Level in Mathematics have a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and are willing to work hard.
All students will sit the OCR A-Level Maths exams at the end of a two-year programme of study. The A level mathematics qualification offers a three-paper model with defined content and calculator usage allowed in all three papers. The 3 papers are Pure Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics and Pure Mathematics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics is the study of the underlying elements of algebra and geometry.
Statistics is the study and analysis of data and information. It builds on the data handling topics studied at GCSE and holds strong links with Psychology and Economics. Mechanics is the study of forces, energy and motion. It is useful to study alongside A-Level Physics and provides a good foundation for studying engineering subjects at university level.
The whole course is designed to make the subject interesting and relevant. Good use will be made of graphical calculators, computers and practical work where appropriate. The course is supported by a series of student tests which contain activities which can be studied independently by the student as well as with the help of a teacher. An A-Level in Mathematics is a valuable qualification and is always highly regarded. The subject offers a very appropriate background for many future careers and studies.
Exam structure (from 2017 spec onwards)
- Paper 1 (H240/01) – Pure Mathematics — 2 hours, 100 marks (~33⅓% of total)
- Paper 2 (H240/02) – Pure Mathematics & Statistics — 2 hours, 100 marks
- Paper 3 (H240/03) – Pure Mathematics & Mechanics — 2 hours, 100 marks
Each paper features a mix of short questions, extended responses, and synoptic (cross-topic) problems, and all allow the use of scientific or graphical calculators.
OCR A-Level Mathematics Specification (H240)
Core Maths
AQA’s Level 3 Core Maths is a one-year certificate equivalent to an AS-Level qualification for students with at least grade 5 in GCSE Maths. It builds on GCSE knowledge with a focus on practical and contextual applications—ideal for students not taking A-Level Maths but wanting strong numeracy skills for further study and employment.
Why Study It?
- Offers UCAS tariff points equivalent to half an A-level, valued in performance tables.
- Designed in partnership with employers to develop quantitative and problem-solving skills relevant to higher education and the workplace.
- Supports subjects like Psychology, Business Studies, Geography, Economics, Biology, and Science.
Course Content
The compulsory topics covered are:
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Personal finance (interest, mortgages, inflation, budgeting, tax)
- Estimation & modelling techniques
The Optional Module we also study is Paper 2B – Critical path & risk analysis (project planning, cost-benefit analysis, expected value)
2025 Summer Work for Year 9
Next year is the step-up to GCSE Mathematics. Over the last 3 years we been equipping the students with the skills and knowledge they will require to access the GCSE Mathematics. As they enter Year 10 they will begin to encounter new areas of Maths that they have not seen before. Some of the topics that are covered are number, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, algebra, probability and statistics. As two out of three of the examined papers are calculator papers, it is important that students bring their calculator to every lesson, so they are familiar with its buttons and how It works as all calculators can vary slightly. The one we recommend is the Casio FX-83 (or 85) GT-CW.
In preparation for starting Maths GCSE next year, we have produced a booklet, which includes some of the skills students will require. Each section includes some notes, recall questions and what an equivalent GCSE question may look like. We have uploaded these to the school website – plus the answers.
The Maths department looks forward to working with you to support the students over the next 2 years.
2025 Summer Work for Year 10
As we get to the end of the Summer term, it is good to reflect and take stock on the progress Year 10 students have made this year. This year has seen students really stepping up in Maths and working on some challenging topics.
From staff feedback and examination results it has been evident that those students who are working independently outside of lesson on their Maths, either via homework or revision have made greater steps in their progress. We also know how much can go missing from the brains of students over the summer break. To help students recap and continue to build on the successes from this year, we have produced a Year 10 Summer Maths Pack. There are 2 levels, Foundation and Higher, covering all the topics that have been taught this year. There is also a Y10 topic checklist, and each unit includes some notes plus some exam questions. These have been shared with you on the school website, so you can support your child in the completion of this, with a copy of the answers.
We do recommend that students studying Higher topics - also look through the Foundation booklet – as those topics can occur in either papers.
Thank you for all your support this year and look forward to working with you to support the students next year.