Mathematics

At BSJ student needs are very much at the centre of the learning process. Everyone is valued for his or her experiences and questions are welcomed as part of the learning experience. Students are encouraged to develop an independent learning attitude through investigational tasks and regular homework.

In Years 7 to 9, students follow the middle years programme (MYP) from the IB. We aim to develop student skills and confidence to reach their potential. We encourage our students to learn through investigation and practical work as well as developing mastery of mathematical skills. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, reflect using the feedback given and communicate using correct mathematical vocabulary.

Year 10 and 11 students (KS4) are placed in classes according to their level of mathematical proficiency. All students are valued and respected for their application and effort as much as their academic achievement. Our aim is to facilitate the highest level of achievement for each student according to their aptitude and ability as an individual within this core subject.

All students follow a curriculum which will prepare them for Edexcel IGCSE examinations. There will also be an opportunity for some students to take the CIE Additional Mathematics course as well.

In Years 12 and 13, students participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme. Mathematics is a compulsory subject and can be followed as ‘Applications and Interpretations’ or ‘Analysis and Approaches’ at Standard or Higher Level. The course followed will depend upon each student’s mathematical ability and the specific requirements of their preferred university or career choice.

Enrichment in Maths is particularly important at BSJ. It is ongoing in lessons and delivered through activities in a dedicated Maths Week. Activities include codebreaking, modelling polyhedra, constructing fractals and learning about the history of mathematics through theatre.

In addition, there is a Maths competition club, Alpha Beta Gamma, which runs after school and develops students’ problem solving skills. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of global Maths competitions including the UKMT Maths Challenges, American Maths Contest (AMC), the Canadian Intermediate and Senior Maths Contests and the South East Asian Maths Competition (SEAMC). Our students have been successful reaching the Olympiad rounds in all three UKMT Challenges and the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. We have had a number of students who have also represented the school at the World Mathematics Championships which take place in Melbourne every year.