The Mathematics Department is the largest academic department in the school with 3 full time and 2 part time teachers. It is the most popular subject choice in the Sixth Form with over half the Lower Sixth year opting for Mathematics and a significant number also studying Further Mathematics.

In forms 1 to 3 (years 7 to 9), the main objective is to consolidate and build upon the basics of the subject already studied and to prepare the ground for the GCSE course. There is a strong emphasis at this level on developing basic numeracy and problem solving skills. In years 7 and 8, there are typically two classes per year group of about 14-16 and in year 9, there is normally three groups of around the same size.

All pupils in the school take GCSE Mathematics following the WJEC two-tier syllabus. It is the intention that all three sets at this level take Higher Tier examinations (grades A* to D), though entry for Foundation Tier (up to C grade) is possible.

In the last two years, just under 50% of candidates have achieved A or A* grades and just 3 have failed to reach grade C standard.

In the Sixth Form there are two sets of around 16 pupils studying Mathematics and a third group of 5-10 taking Further Maths to A level.

The pupils follow the Edexcel modular course taking a range of modules across the different mathematical disciplines, primarily Pure Maths, Mechanics and Statistics.

Results at this level are very strong with 79% of all entries resulting in A or B grades in 2008.

In 2008, five out of the seven Further Maths candidates achieved double A grades with one going on to win a place to read Mathematics at Newnham College, Cambridge.

Head of Department Email: neil.blackburn@christcollegebrecon.com