Mathematics has developed over time as a means of solving problems and also for its own sake. Its importance is universally recognised and its language is international, transcending cultural boundaries.

Mathematics is a creative discipline that can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when students solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections.

Today Mathematics is used throughout the world as an essential tool in many fields, including natural science, engineering, medicine and social sciences such as economics and psychology.

Applied Mathematics, the branch of Mathematics concerned with the application of mathematical knowledge to other fields, inspires and makes use of new mathematical discoveries and sometimes leads to the development of entirely new disciplines.

Mathematicians also engage in Pure Mathematics or Mathematics for its own sake, without having any application in mind, although what began as Pure Mathematics can often find itself a very practical application at a later date.

3 lessons a week

Mathematics is a Core Subject in the Lower School. At JCG we build on the foundations established in Key Stage 2 and provide students with opportunities for steady progression. Regular assessments are used to track student progress and identify correct levels of support. During Year 7 students develop problem-solving and reasoning skills alongside their mathematical knowledge.

Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of clubs, challenges and competitions during the year. In the Autumn Term we encourage students to join one of the lunchtime Maths enrichment clubs run by Year 12 and Year 13 students. In the Spring Term, students are encouraged to take part in the Southampton Maths Challenge and the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge.

3 lessons a week

Mathematics is a Core Subject in the Lower School. As students move into Year 8, the mathematical challenge increases. Students learn to solve more complex equations and meet pi for the first time. Stronger students are given opportunities to stretch themselves. Other students are supported in a class that is working at the right pace for them. We continue to use regular assessments to track student progress and identify correct levels of support. 

All Year 8 students take part in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge in April and  students are also encouraged to take part in the Southampton Maths Challenge over half-term in the Spring term.

4 lessons a week

Moving into the Upper School, students continue to develop their core mathematical skills and build strong foundations for their GCSE. Weekly homework tasks begin to assess a much wider range of skills than in Year 8. With four Mathematics lesson per week, students in Year 9 are able to meet many of the ideas that will underpin their GCSE course. Termly mathematics awards are given in the Upper School to students whose work exemplifies one of the four College values of Aspire, Inquire, Excel and Belong. 

Students can take part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge and the Southampton Maths Competition (Senior).

4 lessons a week

In Year 10 the students continue working on their linear GCSE course with all the examinations at the end of Year 11. Students in the top two sets study for AQA’s Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (sometimes described as an IGCSE in Further Mathematics) in addition to GCSE Mathematics. 

Students are set into 3 bands and Bands 1 and 2 are entered for Edexcel 9-1 Higher Tier (grades 4-9) and Band 3 for AQA 8300 Foundation Tier (grades 3-5).

3 lessons per week

In Year 11 the students continue working on their two year GCSE course and students in the top two sets prepare for the AQA Further Mathematics exam as well as their GCSE Mathematics. All public exams are sat at the end of Year 11. 

In the summer of Year 11 students sit the three GCSE papers as follows:
Paper 1 (Non-calculator) 1.5 hours, 80 marks
Paper 2 (Calculator allowed) 1.5 hours, 80 marks
Paper 3 (Calculator allowed) 1.5 hours, 80 marks

In addition students may also sit the AQA Certificate in Further Mathematics (8365). This is comprised of:
Paper 1 (Non-calculator) 1hour 45 minutes, 80 marks
Paper 2 (Calculator allowed) 1hour 45 minutes, 80 marks

5 lessons a week

Mathematics is no longer compulsory after Key Stage 4, but many students at JCG decide to continue with the subject beyond GCSE. Some recognise that studying A Level Mathematics gives them a set of skills that are crucial to success in the worlds of science, engineering and technology. Others appreciate the unique power of Mathematics and want to continue the journey of discovery that they have started during GCSE.

A Level Mathematics students study Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics over 2 years with internal examinations at the end of Year 12 and final external examinations at the end of Year 13. Students follow the OCR 2017 A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics courses.

The Further Mathematics course covers Further Pure Maths, Further Mechanics and Further Additional Pure Maths. 

Further Maths lessons are delivered in an Option block and students  receive five lessons of Further Maths per week. 

In addition our A Level students enjoy many competitions during the year, including the Ritangle competition, the Liverpool Maths Society Pop Quiz, and the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. 

We also encourage Year 12 students to lead Primary School workshops during the year. There are regular support clinics for A Level Maths students and for those who become interested in taking Maths at university, there is support in preparing for entrance exams.