Mathematics at Malvern
Mathematics is given the importance one would expect of a core subject. We believe that an appreciation of the subject in its own right is important, in addition to the obvious applications and the central role it plays in other subjects. The Mathematics Department is staffed by ten full-time teachers and two part-time. We cater for all academic levels up to Oxbridge entrance, with pupils carefully setted according to their ability and recent progress.
In the Foundation Year, Remove and Hundred (Years 9, 10 and 11), syllabuses are principally aimed towards the modular GCSE or IGCSE examinations. The majority of sets prepare for the Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics qualification whilst the top set will also follow the OCR Additional Mathematics course. The remaining two sets follow the AQA modular GCSE at Higher level. In a typical year approximately 70% of our candidates will achieve either an A or an A*.
In the Sixth Form, Malvern College offers the opportunity to study for either A-level or the International Baccalaureate. The Edexcel A Level syllabus comprises modules in several branches of Mathematics (Pure, Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths). Three modules constitute an AS Level and three further modules combine with an AS to provide an A-Level. By taking a further three or six modules, students have the opportunity to obtain an additional qualification of either an AS or an A-Level in Further Mathematics.
All International Baccalaureate students must study Mathematics at either Higher or Standard Level. Those opting for Standard Level may choose to follow either the Mathematical Studies course or the more demanding Mathematics Standard course (considered to be equivalent to about 80% of the A-level course in content). Those opting for the Higher Level course also have the option of studying for the IB Further Mathematics qualification (in addition to, or as part of their six subjects). This course is a demanding one and might be suitable for our most able mathematicians. The decision of whether to follow the Further Mathematics course can be delayed until part way through the Lower Sixth year.
There are several opportunities for extension and support within the department. Pupils are entered for the Mathematics Challenges and several are invited each year to undertake the 1st round of the Olympiad, an extremely difficult examination. Additionally, a team takes part in the Maths Team Challenge, there is a Cipher Club and a House Mathematics Competition. There are two weekly support groups (clinic) to assist struggling pupils with their studies; these groups help add significant value to the work of the department.