Mathematics
At LRGS we aim to foster a genuine interest in Mathematics as an academic discipline in its own right and as a tool for communication and problem-solving in a wide variety of other areas.
The Mathematics Department occupies the Timberlake and Swainson Buildings on the top site. The majority of mathematics lessons are taught in the eight classrooms in these two buildings.
All pupils study Mathematics up to GCSE and large numbers take the subject at A-level, plus about 25 who study Further Mathematics A-level as well. The Department has been highly successful, and many pupils go on to study the subject or a mathematically rich subject at University, with a number gaining Oxbridge places in recent years.
Staff Profiles
Mr Calvert is Head of Department and a graduate of the University of Durham (Collingwood College), where he studied BSc (Hons) Mathematics. He did his PGCE at the University of Cumbria in 2009. He also runs the annual school ski trip.
Mrs Whittle is 2nd in department and head of KS3. She studied Mathematics and Physics at Lycée Hoche in Versailles and graduated from an École d'ingénieur in Grenoble, France. She worked as an IT consultant in Paris before moving to England and completing her PGCE in Canterbury in 2001. As well as teaching Mathematics, she has also taught French and Physics. She loves the mountains and is a keen skier.
Mr Woodruff is head of KS4, and graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics before completing a PGCE in Mathematics from Edge Hill University. He is a keen runner and cyclist who enjoys family walks with the dog.
Mr Mellon graduated from Edinburgh University with a BSc (Hons) before completing his PGCE in Mathematics at Moray House in Edinburgh. He is Assistant Head for Timetable and Progress. He is a senior examiner in Mechanics for Edexcel and his spare time is usually spent running around mountains.
Mr Viney is an old boy of the school who studied Mathematics with Computer Science at the University of Bristol and did his PGCE at St Martin's College, Lancaster. He is Housemaster in Storey House and coaches athletics and the U16 rugby team, as well as being the A-level Exam Officer.
Mr Adamson joined LRGS in 2020, he graduated with a BA from Cambridge University in 2006, and went on to study for a Masters in Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music before teaching violin and viola. In 2015, he completed a PGCE in mathematics at the University of Cumbria, as well as a month in India for his yoga teaching qualification. In his spare time, he enjoys conducting orchestras and writing.
Mr Rosbottom is an old boy of the school who studied Mathematics at Loughborough University before completing his PGCE through the Ripley SCITT. He is also Deputy Head of Year 8 and 9 as well as being the Head of Cricket.
Mr Spencer joined LRGS in 2023. He graduated from the University of Liverpool, obtaining a PhD in Mathematics, before working in academic research. He completed his PGCE at the University of Exeter. Outside of school he enjoys walking the dog and reading.
Mr Brassington joined LRGS in 2023. They completed their BA in Mathematics and Music at Lancaster University, completed an MA in Music (Popular Music Studies) at Cardiff University and then earnt a PGCE with QTS from Ripley St Thomas ITT and Leeds Beckett University. Outside of teaching mathematics, they are a keen bookworm, videogame enthusiast and play rugby for Typhoons RUFC.
Mr Chambers is a part-time teacher working with A-level pupils. He helps out with rugby and manages the 2nd XI senior cricket team. He enjoys stretching the Oxbridge mathematicians whenever he can. Outside of school he is a keen sportsman.
Mrs Introna is a part time teacher working with A level pupils. She graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa with a BEd (Mathematics) in 1986. She completed her PGCE at St Martin’s College, Lancaster in 2001 and joined the school in September 2002.
KS3
In the Lower School pupils are taught in forms. The initial focus in our mathematics teaching is in developing fluency and mastery in the fundamentals of mathematics to acquire solid foundation. In line with the recommendations from the National Curriculum our expectation is that all pupils will move through the programmes of study at the same pace, acquiring a deep understanding of the mathematics being taught, focusing and engaging fully as learners who reason and seek to make connections, using precise mathematical language to communicate their reasoning and thinking effectively. Pupils who grasp concepts rapidly are also challenged with tasks that require greater depth of thinking or develop more complex problem solving skills. All students, in line with the objectives of the National Curriculum, progress from fluency, to mathematical reasoning and mathematical problem solving. Progress is established through ongoing formative and summative assessments.
Homework is set every week using the online Sparx Maths platform which allows pupils to practise what they are currently studying in lessons, revise concepts covered earlier in the year and complete additional independent learning. All online work is accompanied by written answers in a separate Sparx homework book, showing clear mathematical working.
Some year 7 and year 8 pupils will be entered for the Junior maths challenge, with those pupils who do particularly well qualifying for the in the Junior Maths Olympiad. Exceptional pupils may also join the UKMT mentoring scheme. When possible we also enter the annual UKMT Junior Team Challenge for a mixed team of Year 8 and 9 pupils.
KS4
In Year 10 and 11 we set pupils to study the Edexcel GCSE course at a pace matched to their ability and confidence. All pupils are entered at Higher Tier level. Some pupils may also study and additional maths qualification such as AQA's Level 2 Further Mathematics as an enrichment option and to help prepare them for A-level.
The Sparx Maths platform continues to be used in KS4 every week, alongside other written homework as pupils approach their GCSE exams in year 11. Some pupils may also take part in the UKMT Intermediate maths challenge. We also regularly take teams to compete in the local Maths Feast competition run at Lancaster University.
Sixth Form
Maths is a very popular option at A-level many with around 100 pupils studying A-level maths in each year. Further Maths is also becoming an increasingly popular option for our most able pupils, with around 25 pupils each year choosing to take A-level Maths and A-level Further Maths.
We follow the Edexcel A-level syllabus, with all pupils studying pure maths and applied content including Mechanics and Statistics. Further Maths pupils complete the A-level content in the L6, and then go onto study additional pure and applied topics in the U6.
Pupils can choose to take part in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. Pupils who do especially well nationally are invited to the next Olympiad round of each competition. Pupils also compete in the MEI Ritangle competition, and there is a student-led Maths Society that holds discussions each week on a variety of interesting maths topics. Each year we have visits from Lancaster university PHD students to give talks to pupils about topics beyond the A level curriculum.
Entry requirements
Yes, we insist on at least a grade 7 at GCSE to study the subject in the Sixth Form and a grade 8 or 9 at GCSE if you want to study Further Mathematics.