Mathematics

Mathematics provides the most readily accessible form of problem-solving in the classroom because it does not depend on the pre-existence of a substantial body of knowledge. Involvement in problem-solving enables pupils to exercise and acquire confidence in their intellectual capabilities.

Thinking independently, and expressing arguments in a logical and ordered manner. Good habits are formed by participating in an environment in which systematic thinking is explicitly valued, and by recognising the significance of reasoning. At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi we endeavour to engender all the above principles in an atmosphere of comfort, positivity and supported growth. 

Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why 

Bernard Baruch,
American financier, philanthropist and statesman

Mathematics in the Prep School

Initially in the Prep school, children become confident with maths: they are adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, as well as doing mental calculations and solving problems using time, measure or money. We actively encourage positive social interaction, resilience and research and build this into our planning. Pupils collaborate with each other whilst working on projects or team-based activities. Pupils are able to reflect on their learning and feedback is given in a variety of mediums. Our main aim is to make Maths fun and ensure that pupils feel able to ask questions thus building confidence.

Towards the upper end of the Prep school, pupils build upon their prior knowledge from the earlier years as well as covering new content such as solving equations, calculator skills and calculating averages from grouped data. Pupils develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They apply their mathematical knowledge in a range of subjects such as Science, Geography and  Computer Science. Pupils continually use their skills in Number, Shape, Data Handling and Algebra. Application of knowledge to real-life situations is encouraged as is risk-taking. A selection of our more able students will be entered into the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge each year.

Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The Prep school Maths content is organised into distinct domains, but pupils build on previous years knowledge and connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. In upper Prep, pupils also apply their mathematical knowledge in science, geography, computing and other subjects.
By the time pupils leave the Prep school they should:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
• Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
• Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and nonroutine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

We actively encourage positive social interaction, resilience and research and build this into our planning. Pupils collaborate with each other whilst working on projects or team-based activities. Pupils are able to reflect on their learning and feedback is given in a variety of mediums. Our main aim is to make Maths fun and ensure that pupils feel able to ask questions thus building confidence.
There will be opportunities for all pupils to take part in the International Olympiad each November. In addition to this, Years 3 to 6 take part in fun Maths Challenges and select students in Year 7 and 8 take part in a Junior Maths Challenge each April. 
 

Discover more about the Prep School

Mathematics in the Senior School

Upon reaching the Senior school at Cranleigh our mathematics students work towards the Edexcel IGCSE, spreading the course across all three-year groups enables students to gain a thorough understanding of all the topics as well as having plenty of time for revision in Year 11. We aim for all students to complete the Higher tier course, they review and build on previously taught content as well as covering new topics such as basic Calculus, Functions, Set Notations and Further Trigonometry.

The course is organised into separate topic areas but pupils will start to develop connections across the ideas, students are encouraged to work independently and evolve their problem-solving skills. A selected few of the ablest students are entered to complete their IGCSE Mathematics in Year 10 and go on to study Edexcel IGCSE Further Pure Mathematics in Year 11. Our more able students will be entered into the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge.

Discover more about the Senior School

Mathematics in the Sixth Form

We continue to follow the Edexcel courses at Cranleigh Sixth Form; offering both Mathematics and Further Mathematics A-Level, both of which are intense and challenging courses and are increasingly popular amongst our students. Mathematics A Level consolidates the IGCSE and builds on their knowledge of Calculus, Graphs, Vectors and Trigonometry, to name a few, within the Applied Mathematics and introduces Mechanics and Statistics to the students.

Further Mathematics consists of two Further Core Mathematics modules as well as Further Statistics and Further Mechanics. We encourage students to work independently and develop their problem-solving skills. Making links across all areas of the course is essential and students should have outstanding knowledge and understanding of Algebra in order to be successful. All A-Level Mathematics students are entered for the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge.

Discover more about the Sixth Form