MATHEMATICS AT THE BOURNE ACADEMY
Mathematics as a subject is structured like building a wall, when a brick is missing the wall becomes unstable
and success becomes much harder to achieve. As a team we have developed a system to ensure that
students progress through the subject and fill any gaps of knowledge before proceeding to the next level.
These levels are known as The Pathways. In total there are 6 Pathways, Pathway 4 is a confident Grade C and
Pathway 6 is a confident Grade A*. Most Year 7 students study Pathway 1 all year, except identified classes of
able students, who study Pathway 2. Exceptional students will accelerate their learning by starting topics
from Pathway 3 as well as studying Pathway 2.
In each Pathway there are six units. To pass the Pathway the students have to pass each Unit at 75% or more,
or get an average of 75% over all the Pathway tests. The Units are the same topics but the level of
understanding increases in each Pathway. Each Unit coincides with a school half term and tests always take
place the week before the end of the term. Certificates are awarded at the beginning of the next term.
The aim of the Mathematics department is to ensure all students have resilience to failure and strive to
improve. There are times where students will fail and the team will be there to support at every stage.
Students are given opportunities to resit Pathway assessments and structured intervention is offered to all.
We do encourage independent learning and there are several Maths Websites that available to our students.
We would recommend www.mymaths.com and www.bitesize.com Recognition for effort and progress is
given through Progress Awards and Outstanding Effort Awards.
The Pathway Pillars
Unit 6 – Statistics
Unit 5 – Geometry 2
Unit 4 – Number and Algebra
Unit 3 - Geometry
Unit 2 - Algebra
Unit 1 - Number
To Master a Pathway you need to get 75% in any of your Maths assessments
Whilst every student needs to recognise the importance of gaining qualifications in Mathematics, we have a
desire to foster the love of Maths within The Bourne Academy. . It is our vision that every student will leave
the academy with a feeling of security in Mathematics that will endure his or her lifetime.
Courses Studied
At GCSE we use the Edexcel exam board. Most students study the higher curriculum but those that are at risk
of not gaining a grade C will sit the Foundation Paper.
For students taking their exam before 2017 there are 2 exams, which are a total of 3 hours long. For students
taking their exam from 2017 onwards there will be 3 separate exams, which will be a total of 4.5 hours long.
At A Level we again use the Edexcel exam board. They have to sit 6 exams in total, which comprises of:
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Core 1
Core 2
Core 3
Core 4
Statistics 1
Mechanics 1
A Level Mathematics is well respected and known to be one of the more challenging A Levels and as such we
would expect students applying for A Level Maths to gain at least a Grade B.
Where can Maths lead you?
Good qualifications in Mathematics lead to a range of different careers such as Medical services, including
Veterinary nurses etc., Engineering, Construction, Financial services, Hair Dressing, Food, Sports Technicians
and many more. It is also a service subject and needed across the academic curriculum
Please email the Subject leader on Joelle.Harradine@thebourneacademy.com if you have any questions
about the curriculum or about your child’s progress during the year.