Mathematics
At LRGS we aim to foster a genuine interest in Mathematics as an academic discipline in its own right and as a tool for communication and problem-solving in a wide variety of other areas. The Mathematics Department occupies the Timberlake Building and part of the ground floor of the International Building. We have six classrooms fully equipped with networked computers and overhead LCD projectors, four of which also contain interactive whiteboards. The department has nine highly qualified full-time members of staff.
All pupils study Mathematics up to GCSE and then around 110 take the subject at A-level, about 30 of whom study Further Mathematics A-level as well. The Department has been highly successful and many boys go on to study the subject at University, with a number gaining Oxbridge places recently. In 2008 we were awarded Specialist Maths and ICT status in recognition of our achievements.
Extra curricular Mathematics thrives at LRGS with a large number of pupils entered for the national Mathematics competitions run by the UK Mathematics Trust at Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels, usually leading to several qualifying for the subsequent Olympiad rounds. Lunchtime maths clubs are organised in the first two years, there are maths teams in First, Third and Sixth Years which compete in both local and national competitions. Our Third and Sixth year teams have both represented the school at the National Finals of the UKMT team maths challenge. Our most able pupils are also invited to join a mentoring scheme to enhance their opportunities to study mathematics.
Staff Profiles
Mr Mellon is the Head of Department and graduated from Edinburgh University with a BSc (Hons) before completing his PGCE in Mathematics at Moray House in Edinburgh. His particular area of interest at the moment is to develop modelling software to enhance the teaching of Mechanics to the Sixth Form. His spare time is usually spent running around mountains.
Mr Blackwell obtained a BSc 1st from Leicester University, a PGCE from St Martins College Lancaster and a MSc in Statistics from Sheffield University. When not in the classroom or marking, he can generally be found enjoying the great outdoors.
Mr Burns is an old boy of the school and a graduate of Salford University. As well as teaching Maths, he has a pastoral role as Head of Lower School. Mr Burns is a keen sportsman and coaches U12 rugby and cricket teams. In his youth he trained in martial arts and had the honour of competing for Great Britain in one tournament as well as representing Cambridge University during his PGCE year.
Mr Calvert is a graduate of the University of Durham (Collingwood College), where he studied Mathematics. He did his PGCE at the University of Cumbria. He is Deputy Housemaster at Storey House and when not on duty, is normally out walking with his dog.
Mr Chambers is a Deputy Head at the school. He currently only teaches in the Sixth Form due to time restrictions, but he does run the U14B rugby team and the 2nd XI senior cricket team. He enjoys stretching the Oxbridge mathematicians whenever he can. Outside of school he is a keen sportsman.
Mr Cornish is Second in Department and graduated from Selwyn College Cambridge with an MA He organises fell walks for junior boys and is a regular helper for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, in addition to coordinating the chess club.
Mr Furlong-Brown is a Teacher-Governor and also works in Ashton House as a Weekend Duty Master. He is a vocal supporter of the school rugby teams on the Memo field on a Saturday afternoon and coaches the U15B cricket team.
Mrs Introna studied Mathematics at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and did her PGCE at St Martins College, Lancaster. She teaches all the Lower and Middle School groups and Mechanics and Core Maths at A-level. Since joining the school in September 2001, she has been enthusiastically involved in the yearly trip to Glenridding, as well as organising many successful Maths teams. She also coordinates the mentoring scheme at LRGS.
Mr Viney
Mathematics - 11+
11+ Curriculum
In the Lower School boys are taught in forms. In addition to studying the topics prescribed by the National Curriculum, they are also encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding through a variety of extra topics and activities, with a view to ensuring that the core skills for success at GCSE are enhanced.
11+ Extra-curricular Projects
In the First to Third Year, we use Tony Gardiner's Maths Challenge books to add diversity and an extra challenge for the most able pupils. The books are aimed at the top 10% of the ability range. Individuals may be set a variety of tasks instead of classwork or as an extension to homework.
There are Interform maths competitions for First and Second Years. These are run during lunchtimes in the Michaelmas and Lent terms and forms are encouraged to enter as many teams as they like. We use boys from the Fourth and Fifth “able and talented” group to help the younger students. From this competition, a team of First Year pupils is selected to represent the school in the Lancashire Maths Challenge. There is a local heat and then the regional final.
We like to make sure they are entered for the appropriate UKMT maths challenge. The UKMT challenges run throughout the year pupils are tested individually: The Junior Maths Challenge (Year 7 and &) is in April or May. Pupils who do especially well nationally are invited to the next Olympiad round of each competition.
First and Second Year pupils who do particularly well in the Junior Maths Olympiad are invited to be part of an Olympiad Mentoring Scheme run by Leeds University with monthly questions being set and then discussed during lunchtime meetings.
Birmingham University Professor Tony Gardiner produces a bi-termly Problem Solving Journal which we use with selected students. They will tackle Olympiad- type problems and submit written solutions to the University which are then marked and the pupils are given individual feedback on how to improve their performance.
There is also an annual UKMT team challenge for a mixed team of Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils. There is a regional qualifying round followed by the National Final held in London. In 2005 we were national runners up.
11+ FAQs
How much homework will I get?
First and Second Year pupils will get two pieces of homework a week.
Mathematics - 13+
13+ Curriculum
In Fourth and Fifth Year we set pupils to study the GCSE course at a pace matched to their ability. All pupils are entered at Higher Tier level. The top set also study FSMQ Additional Mathematics to gain a second qualification in Mathematics and prepare them for A-level.
13+ Extra-curricular Projects
We like to make sure they are entered for the appropriate UKMT maths challenge. The UKMT challenges run throughout the year pupils are tested individually: The Intermediate Maths Challenge (for Year 9 to 11) is normally in February. Pupils who do especially well nationally are invited to the next Olympiad round of each competition.
Third to Fifth Year Pupils who do particularly well in the Junior Maths Olympiad are invited to be part of an Olympiad Mentoring Scheme run by Leeds University with monthly questions being set and then discussed during lunchtime meetings.
Birmingham University Professor Tony Gardiner produces a bi-termly Problem Solving Journal, which we use with selected students. They will tackle Olympiad- type problems and submit written solutions to the University which are then marked and the pupils are given individual feedback on how to improve their performance.
13+ FAQs
Is there any coursework at GCSE?
In GCSE mathematics there is no coursework component.
Mathematics - Sixth Form
Sixth Form Curriculum
Mathematical ability is a priceless asset - if you have it, make the most of it. Fortunately many boys at LRGS follow this advice with around 185 studying for AS and A-level. We offer a choice of either Mathematics or Further Mathematics with flexibility for Mechanics or Statistics modules to be studied.
We follow the Edexcel A-level syllabus. Mathematics students take three modules in the Lower Sixth and three in the Upper Sixth. Further Maths students take six modules in the Lower Sixth – four in Pure Maths, two in Mechanics, to achieve an A-level in Maths and then a further six modules are taken in the Upper Sixth including two in Further Pure Maths. Any boy interested in Mathematics, Natural Science or Engineering at Oxbridge will have the option of studying three further mechanics modules which is excellent preparation for these courses.
Sixth Form Extra-curricular Projects
Mrs Introna runs a scheme whereby senior boys can mentor younger pupils who experience particular difficulties in their Mathematics. Boys find the experience of trying to help teach the subject very enlightening.
The Senior Maths Team competes in the UKMT Senior Maths Team Challenge. In 2008 we won the north-west heat and joined 15 other top schools for the National Final in London.
The UKMT run an individual challenge - the Senior Maths Challenge (for Years 11, 12 and 13) which is normally in November. Pupils who do especially well nationally are invited to the next Olympiad round of each competition. These pupils are supported through an Olympiad Mentoring Scheme.
Birmingham University Professor Tony Gardiner produces a bi-termly Problem Solving Journal which we use with selected students. They will tackle Olympiad- type problems and submit written solutions to the University which are then marked and the pupils are given individual feedback on how to improve their performance.
Sixth Form FAQs
Are there any entry requirements to study mathematics in the Sixth Form?
Yes, we insist on at least a grade A at GCSE to study the subject in the Sixth Form.
