Maths
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Head of Department: TBC
Mathematics at Herne Bay High focuses on developing students' confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills through numbers, logic, and reasoning. We aim to equip students with the ability to think clearly, work methodically, and apply mathematical knowledge across all areas of the curriculum. Numeracy is a vital life skill, used in everyday decisions and essential in a wide range of careers. Our goal is to ensure every student can engage with the world around them through mathematical understanding, empowering them to be resilient, analytical, and ready for the challenges of the future.
The Mathematics Department at Herne Bay High School is a vibrant and dynamic team of 13 dedicated teachers who are passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. Our staff bring a wide range of experience and expertise, creating a collaborative environment where learners are challenged and supported at every stage of their mathematical journey.
We offer a broad and engaging curriculum from Year 7 through to A-level. At Post 16 students have the opportunity to study Core Mathematics and A_Levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, preparing them for a wide range of university courses and careers in science, technology, engineering, economics, and beyond.
The department also places a strong emphasis on revision and support outside the classroom. We offer regular revision sessions at lunchtime and after school, along with tailored support for exam preparation at both GCSE and A-level. Whether through small group work or one-to-one mentoring, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel confident in mathematics.
Teaching Staff
- Miss J Gipson - Head of Faculty
- Miss H Scott - Head of Department
- Mrs Claughton
- Mr Craske
- Mr Davison
- Mr Green
- Mrs Hoare
- Mr Hopper
- Mrs Matigh
- Mrs Okorie
- Mrs Rivers
Maths Clubs and Trips
- Maths club every lunchtime in Ma17
- Pi Day – 14th March
- Decimal Day – 10th October
- Canterbury Christ Church University PGCE Training Workshops
- Cross-Curricular Links
- Trips to Kent University
- Presentations/Talks by external providers (including the Further Maths Support Programme)
- Gifted and Talented Workshops
- Peer Maths Mentoring
- Origami Club
- Weekly Revision Sessions
- UKMT Maths Challenge participation
What do our children study?
GCSE
Following recent changes to the GCSE Students will be assessed through 3 examination papers. There will be two calculator examinations and one non-calculator. Each paper is 1hour 30minutes long. There are still two tiers of entry but the grades are now numerical: Foundation (Grade 1-5) and Higher (Grades 4-9). All students will sit the OCR GCSE maths paper. As Maths is a core subject it is still the expectation that all students will complete the programme in year 11.
A-Level
Students who have successfully completed the Higher Level GCSE and have obtained a Grade 7 or higher are in a strong position to begin the A-Level course. It is important that all students wishing to study an A-Level in Mathematics have a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and are willing to work hard.
All students will sit the OCR A-Level Maths exams at the end of a two-year programme of study. The A level mathematics qualification offers a three-paper model with defined content and calculator usage allowed in all three papers. The 3 papers are Pure Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics and Pure Mathematics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics is the study of the underlying elements of algebra and geometry.
It replaces the previous modules of Core 1,2,3 and 4. Applied Mathematics comprises of Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics is the study and analysis of data and information. It builds on the data handling topics studied at GCSE and holds strong links with Psychology and Economics. Mechanics is the study of forces, energy and motion. It is useful to study alongside A-Level Physics and provides a good foundation for studying engineering subjects at university level.
The whole course is designed to make the subject interesting and relevant. Good use will be made of graphical calculators, computers and practical work where appropriate. The course is supported by a series of student tests which contain activities which can be studied independently by the student as well as with the help of a teacher. An A-Level in Mathematics is a valuable qualification and is always highly regarded. The subject offers a very appropriate background for many future careers and studies.