Mathematics
Academic > Departments > Mathematics
Mathematics is popular at Tonbridge with about half of the Sixth Form (17 sets) choosing to study the subject. There are 9 full-time members of the Department.
Our teaching style is a blend of the best traditional and modern practices; pupils are encouraged to use the appropriate tools for each problem - a computer, a calculator or the back of an envelope! Computing software regularly used include spreadsheets, graph plotters and dynamic geometry packages. Members of the Department are involved nationally both in syllabus development at all levels and in the work of the Mathematical Association.
The Department has a long record of distinguished academic achievement. Many of our pupils go on each year to read Mathematics or related subjects at Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities. We also do consistently well in the various National Mathematics Contests which involve boys of all ages.
Lower and Middle School Mathematics
All boys in the first two years have seven periods of Mathematics in each timetable cycle and they are setted from the outset (with their setting kept under constant review). The top two sets take Higher Tier IGCSE Mathematics (Edexcel Examinations Mathematics (4400) specification at the end of the Fourth Form; they then study a post-GCSE course in the Fifth Form. The rest of the year take Higher Tier IGCSE at the end of the Fifth Form.
Sixth Form Mathematics
Single Mathematics
The specification (OCR MEI Structured Mathematics) is divided into three strands: Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The Pure Mathematics builds-up the tools a mathematician requires to solve problems and develops naturally from Higher Tier IGCSE work. The other two strands are both called Applied Mathematics and begin to show how the mathematical techniques learnt can be used to solve real problems. Of the six modules taken for Mathematics A-level, Pure Mathematics modules C1, C2, C3 and C4 are compulsory. The other two modules taken are Applied ones.
At the end of the Lower Sixth, and in common with many similar schools, the AS-level in Mathematics is taken. This consists of the C1, C2 and M1 modules. Most sets will also have made a head-start on C3 which, together with C4, a second Applied module and any necessary retakes, completes the A2 course in the Upper Sixth. Many boys are able to complete a further three modules to give an AS in Further Mathematics as well.
Anyone who has studied a post-IGCSE Mathematics course at Tonbridge or elsewhere that includes some calculus will have a good idea of the flavour of the subject at this level. Those who are taking IGCSE in the Fifth Form and are thinking of Mathematics AS-level are advised to consider their choice carefully since it is a demanding course; an A or A* grade at GCSE, together with strong algebra, is very desirable.
The aim of all our courses is to show something of the structural coherence and intrinsic beauty of Mathematics and to point towards its applications to a diverse range of phenomena in the scientific and human worlds. There are some coursework tasks which help to exemplify ways in which Mathematics is actually used. These also provide an excellent opportunity to use appropriate computer packages.
The study of Mathematics develops skills of analysis, logical argument, problem solving and communication. As such, it is highly valued by universities and employers. Indeed, the number of careers requiring good mathematical skills continues to grow apace.
Double Mathematics
This course, which leads to two A-levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, occupies two A-level choice blocks and uses the same modular scheme as for Mathematics. Sets take at least twelve modules for their final certification of two A-levels; indeed, it often happens that some boys go on to take fifteen to gain a further AS certification.There is also a programme preparation for the Cambridge STEP examinations in Mathematics.
Each of the three strands (Pure, Mechanics and Statistics) is studied to a greater depth than in the single Mathematics A-level.
Double Mathematics is a demanding course but an extremely valuable one. Anyone of Oxbridge calibre in Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Sciences or Computer Science is strongly advised to take this course and Double Mathematicians have been conspicuously successful in obtaining Oxbridge places in recent years. On the other hand, the demands of the course and the fast pace mean that it is only suitable for boys who have done a post-GCSE course either at Tonbridge or elsewhere.
