Mathematics
Mathematics is both a way of describing the patterns we see in the world around us and an abstract study of thought and logic. Either way, it is a gateway to a huge number of fields of study and careers.
Mathematics remains a cornerstone of the education of young people and we aim to equip our students firstly with the mathematical intelligence to interpret, understand and navigate today’s world and secondly with the curiosity and determination to study the subject at a higher level, leading to any number of the vast array of careers that mathematics can open the door to. Our staff are well qualified and very capable, enthusiastically teaching this vital subject, encouraging many students to take part in a variety of mathematical competitions throughout their time at the School, culminating in a significant number of students going on to study either Mathematics or an associated numerate subject at major universities each year. Examination results are consistently outstanding. All students take the IGCSE examination at the Higher level, and around half of the Sixth Form are currently involved in Advanced Level Mathematics, making it the most popular subject at that level.
Head of Department, Mr Eyssens, shares more information about studying Mathematics at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Coordinates, Arithmetic and decimals, Area and perimeter of rectangles and triangles, Order of operations, Metric units, Negative numbers, Algebra – simple expressions and equation
Term 2: Angles, Averages, Presenting data, Properties of numbers, Fractions, decimals and percentages
Term 3: Probability, Constructions, Ratio and proportion, Transformations
Year 8
In Year 8, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Area of parallelograms and trapeziums, Prime numbers, Using fractions, Sequences, Estimation, Angles and polygons, Algebra – brackets and fractions
Term 2: Inequalities, Circles, Transformations, Percentage increase and decrease, Volumes of prisms
Term 3: Probability, Constructions, Ratios, Travel graphs
Year 9
In Year 9, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Equations, Graphs of straight lines, Polygons, Set notation, Fractions, Rounding, Standard form
Term 2: Simultaneous equations, Averages, Multiples, factors, primes, Factorising, Graphs of inequalities
Term 3: Similar triangles, Trigonometry, Travel graphs, Quadratic graphs
Year 10
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Compound percentage, Upper and lower bounds, Formulae, Straight lines, perpendiculars and midpoints, Circle Theorems, Quadratic expressions and equations, Quartiles and cumulative frequency, Indices
Term 2: Proportion, Sequences, Cubic graphs, More circle theorems, Sets and Venn diagrams, Recurring decimals
Term 3: More quadratic equations, Completing the square, Graphs, Parts of circles, Area and volume of similar shapes
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Functions, Probability, Simultaneous equations, Transformation of functions, Vectors, Histograms, Irrational numbers, Algebraic fractions
Term 2: Calculus, 3D trigonometry, Sine and cosine rules
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
- UKMT Maths Challenges: these run each year for all year levels, with follow on Olympiad and Kangaroo competitions for the successful candidates. The UKMT Team Challenges give an opportunity for our best mathematicians in Year 9 and the Sixth Form to compete against other schools and possibly travel to London for the national final.
- The University of Southampton runs their annual Maths Challenge for Year 7 to 10 students each February.
- National Cipher Challenge: this challenge has been running for 20 years and is open to anyone with a love for cracking codes.
- Ritangle Compeition: each October, the Integral website runs the Ritangle competition aimed at A level mathematicians and this has been very successful over the past few years as we have finished consistently in the top few percent of teams.
Trips
- Maths Inspiration: Year 11 students attend a series of lectures aimed at stimulating interest in where studying maths could take you in life.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Mathematics Department, email gae@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mr. G.A. Eyssens | Head of Mathematics |
| Mrs. C.S. Asiki | Second in Mathematics |
| Mrs. J.A. Thimbleby | Second in Mathematics |
| Mr. S.E. Barley | Mathematics, Head of Watts |
| Ms. C.L. Dolan | Mathematics |
| Mrs. L.M. Matthews | Mathematics |
| Mr. R.P. Nichols | Mathematics and Economics |
| Miss. E.S. Ridley | Mathematics |
| Mr. P.R. Robinson | Mathematics |
| Mr. I. Rosenburg | Mathematics, Head of Year - Upper School |
| Mr. M.P. Willis | Mathematics |
