Mathematics, ICT and Computing

Mathemateg, TGCh a Chyfrifiadureg

Learning Manager:Mrs Samantha Clewer s.clewer@haverfordwesthigh.co.uk

Assistant Learning Manager:Miss Holly Watkin-Rees h.watkin-rees@haverfordwesthigh.co.uk

Welcome to the Mathematics, Numeracy and ICT Learning Area. Mathematics, Numeracy and ICT is all around us, it is all incorporated into our daily lives and plays a big part in our futures – not one aspect of our lives can escape their influences!

As a learning area, we aim to encourage our pupils to use their talents in order to develop their understanding and appreciation of the subjects. We strive for our pupils to achieve their full potential throughout their learning experience and to build in their own confidence.

Key Stage 3 Mathematics and Numeracy

For Mathematics & Numeracy, Years 7 and 8, the department follows the “Mathematics Programme of Study for Wales”, which underpins all strands and elements included in the National Numeracy Framework. Learners are taught in teaching groups based on prior attainment to ensure learners are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Learners are encouraged to develop their mathematical reasoning and thinking skills through rich tasks and real-life contextual problems. Over the course of the year, learners will be given the opportunity to participate in a number of nationally recognised Mathematical challenges, including the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenge and Aberystwyth University Challenge. During the summer term, learners will sit the National Numeracy Tests. In preparation for this, learners will utilise a variety of resources including NNT practice papers and reasoning problems.

Key Stage 3 Computing

For computing, learners are taught how to use and develop prior skills using different programmes.

Learners in Year 7 will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and skills of:

Modelling;
Logo, Animation Website Design;
Email.

Learners in Year 8 will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and skills of:

Word Processing;
Data Handling;
Modelling.

Learners in Year 9 will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and skills of:

Modelling;
Greenfoot;
Computing Theory;
GCSE Preparation.

Key Stage 4

WJEC Mathematics and Numeracy

For Mathematics & Numeracy, Years 9, 10 and 11 follow the WJEC GCSE Specification for Mathematics and Numeracy. Through this programme of study, the learners are able to adapt the skills learnt to solve “real-life” problems and improve their understanding of more technical mathematical study.

Learners will follow one of the three tiers of entry for GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Numeracy, the tiers are as follow:

Higher Tier: Grades A*- C
Intermediate Tier: Grades B - E
Foundation Tier: Grades D – G.

Learners are also given the opportunity to participate in a number of nationally recognised Mathematical challenges, including the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenge and Aberystwyth University Challenge.

Also, pupils are given the opportunity to attend courses at Universities looking at studying Further Mathematics at A-Level as well as Mathematics based courses at University.

WJEC Information Communication Technology

The specification in Information Communication Technology enables learners to:

become independent and discerning users of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its use and aware of its implications for individuals,organisations and society;
acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts;
develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems;
develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and their social and commercial impact;
develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues raised by ICT;
recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice;
develop the skills to work collaboratively;
evaluate ICT-based solutions.

WJEC Computer Science

This specification in Computer Science enables learners to:

understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs to do so

think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems

understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

Key Stage 5

In Mathematics the pupils who chose to study A-Level will be following a new specification introduced in 2017.

In Year 12 the pupils will complete 2 Units.

In Year 13 pupils will complete another 2 Units.

The units are Pure Mathematics and Statistics & Mechanics. Further information can be found in the Past Papers and Learning Resources page.

WJEC GCE AS/A2 in Information and Technology

This specification encourages candidates to become discerning users of ICT, developing a broad range of ICT skills and knowledge and understanding of ICT. This should form a basis for progression into further learning, including progression from AS to A2, and/or employment. Specifically, it encourages candidates to develop:

ï‚· the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;

ï‚· the skills to work collaboratively;

ï‚· the ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts to solve problems;

ï‚· an understanding of the consequences of using ICT on individuals, organisations and society and of social, legal, ethical and other considerations on the use of ICT;

ï‚· an awareness of emerging technologies and an appreciation of the potential impact these may have on individuals, organisations and society.