Mathematics
Aims
- To give students the opportunity to appreciate the power and beauty of mathematics as a subject in its own right, promoting clarity of thought and logical reasoning.
- To demonstrate to students that mathematics is the only effective language for the analysis of problems and communication of results and ideas in all forms of science, engineering, technology, commerce,…
- To foster problem solving skills and emphasise the importance of the precise use of appropriate language and notation.
- To encourage and help all students to achieve their full potential in mathematics.
The department strongly believes that all students first need to establish a solid foundation
of basic skills and techniques and this has been one of the keys to our success. These skills can then be built upon and further developed within the context of problem solving. Moreover, a key part of the mathematics teaching at the RGS is to continually provide stretch and challenge to our students. This has led to over 60% of the cohort sitting IGCSE a year early which in turn has meant that we regularly have large numbers opting for Mathematics at AS/A level, including 40+ students enrolling for Maths and Further Maths at A level. Consequently many then go on to study mathematics at university and we have been particularly effective at helping large numbers of boys obtain places at Oxford and Cambridge.
The Mathematics Department is by far the largest department with all boys taking IGCSE higher tier and about three quarters of them going on to take AS/A level courses in Mathematics. Moreover, we are very proud of our exam success and make no apology for mentioning our truly outstanding results at IGCSE and exceptional n
umbers of A and B grades at AS and A level. However, there are also many opportunities at the RGS for students to engage in mathematics outside of the classroom. On a national level boys in all years are entered for various mathematics competitions, with several regularly progressing to the latter stages of the UKMT Challenges and winning medals for high ranking. At a local level, each year group enters a team, often with great success, for the local Guildford Schools' Mathematics Competition, which takes place once per term. Other activities include an annual trip to the Mathematics Inspiration Lectures, attended by about one hundred sixth form students and participation in the Surrey Schools AS Mathematics Challenge. The department also operates two mathematics problem solving competitions of its own, one for all boys and one for Junior boys only.