Hereford Cathedral School

The Mathematics Department is an experienced and highly successful area of the school. There are at present five full-time members of staff and one part-time teacher.

The Department combines a traditional approach to teaching mathematics with appropriate use of ICT resources.  All mathematics classrooms are equipped with data projectors and/or interactive whiteboards.  Websites and other ICT based teaching resources form an instrumental part in delivering the curriculum in a challenging and stimulating environment. 

Pupils are put into sets according to ability. Those who require a programme of learning support in mathematics to gain the qualifications they need are identified as early as possible. The Department runs this in liaison with the Learning Support Department.

At GCSE, almost all pupils enter at Higher Tier.  The top set take the exam in Year 10 and go on to study a couple of units of AS Mathematics. Almost all GCSE results in the past few years have been at A* to B, with a few at grade C and the occasional D grade.  The Department has been involved in national trials of the Additional GCSE in mathematics.

Mathematics is a popular choice in the Sixth Form for AS and A level. The MEI Structured Mathematics specification is used. About one third of this group take mathematics and a significant number also take on further mathematics. Overall in these areas, about 70% of the grades have been at A/B in the past three years. Many go on to pursue mathematically related subjects at university – including Oxford and Cambridge.

The aim of the Department is to stimulate and challenge pupils to reach their potential in the subject and to support them while doing so. The more able pupils are expected to reach a strong understanding and proficiency in methods to prepare them for a wide range of studies in the future. 

Head of Mathematics : Mike Taylor B.Sc (Hons), A.R.C.M.