The staff in the Mathematics Department aim to help pupils acquire knowledge and skills relevant to their adult life and future employment. Reaching their full potential in terms of acquiring technical skills requires an understanding of the concepts involved.

Only when a child understands a particular concept can s/he be asked to practise its use and so develop a skill. Such skills may then be applied to everyday problems. Pupils are taught to think clearly and argue logically by bringing a sense of order to their lives and work. Neatness, concise presentation and communication are fundamental parts of this teaching.

The Mathematics Department believe that pupils learn most effectively:

• when they are interested,
• when they have enthusiasm and a desire to participate,
• when they see good examples and are set good standards,
• through correct practice and through frequency of that practice,
• by being challenged.

Lower School and Third Form pupils are set according to ability and have five periods of Mathematics per week. The scheme of work is based on the series of textbooks ‘New National Framework Mathematics’ by Vickers and Tipler (Stanley Thornes).

Several different Mathematics courses are offered for GCSE, with the aim of ensuring that pupils are prepared for a qualification which accords with their ability in mathematics.

IB Maths is arranged in three tiers, Higher Level (HL), Standard Level (SL) and Mathematical Studies Standard Level (MSSL), the choice being determined by ability and mathematical requirements for university study. 

The department runs occasional visits to lectures at Kingston University and Royal Holloway University. Other enrichment activities include: ‘Maths Inspiration’; the Surrey SATRO Maths team challenge; the Senior Mathematics Challenge, and British Mathematics Olympiad.  The department offers support for AEA (often needed for entry to Warwick) and Oxbridge applications including STEP course.