Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science.
It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is 
discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.
It enables pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. The power of mathematical reasoning lies in its use of precise and concise forms of language, symbolism and representation to reveal and explore general relationships. These mathematical forms are widely used for modelling situations; a trend accelerated by computational technologies.
The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics helps us to understand and change the World.
At St Bees School we aim to:- set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at St Bees School.
- explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
The Curriculum
In years 1 – 3 the pupils are split into 2 sets. (The first year being set after the Christmas exams). We follow the National curriculum and use the Maths Links Oxford Press Text books.
At GCSE the pupils are split into 3 sets with set 3 typically being about 7 or 8 pupils, while set 1 is usually about 20. We follow the Edexcel modular Mathematics course for sets 2 and 3. The first module (worth 30%) is taken in March of the 4th year and the second module (worth 30%) is taken in June of the 4th year.
Set 1 follows the linear higher tier Mathematics course. They are also entered for Higher tier GCSE Statistics which includes a single piece of coursework.
In years 12 and 13 there are normally two sets for single Mathematics and a Further Mathematics set. The single mathematicians follow the Edexcel GCE course and cover C1, C2 and S1 in the Lower sixth and C3, C4 and M1 in the Upper sixth.
Edexcel website : http://www.edexcel.com
Extra Curricular
Internal
Maths Clinics:- For students of all age groups Maths clinics are run on a Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime.
Inter House Senior Cup:- as part of the Inter House Senior Cup each house participates in a Maths challenge.
External
To help enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics outside the curriculum we take part in several national events.
The Cipher Challenge:- Several teams enter each year.
Maths challenges:- We enter pupils in the Maths challenges at all three levels as well as the Team Challenges.
World Maths Day:- Pupils are encouraged to take part in World Maths Day which often brings out the pupils competitive nature.
(Right: Team challenge Success!!! Far right: Laura Taylor who achieved the School’s top score of 71 questions answered correctly in 60 seconds!)
Websites:
Cipher Challenge: http://www.cipher.maths.soton.ac.uk/
Maths Challenges: http://www.mathcomp.leeds.ac.uk/
World Maths Day: http://www.worldmathsday.com/