Mathematics – Ages 11-16

The Mathematics Department consists of 7 dedicated, specialist, enthusiastic and passionate teachers, plus a teaching assistant.  High expectations, raising the standards of students’ achievements, enjoyment and quality learning experiences are all valued highly.  

Students are placed in sets, according to ability, on entering the Senior school in Year 7.  Set changes can occur at specific times of the year and are based on merit as evidenced in regular chapter tests and Autumn and Summer examinations.

The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.

Paul Halmos

Achievements – 100% A*and A grades

The value added scores, each year, are extremely high at A Level.  In recent years, A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics value added scores have been in or near the top 1% nationally.  Mathematics is the most popular option choice at A Level and the department has averaged 90% A*/A grades and 100% A*/B grades for the past 3 years.

In 2022, students achieved an outstanding 100% A*/A grades!

In A-Level Further Mathematics students have achieved 85% A*/A grades and 100% A*/B grades for the past 3 years.  Many students leave Ratcliffe and study Mathematics or a related degree at high ranking universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Enrichment Activities

Lunchtime Club

The Mathematics Department offers a lunchtime club on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Puzzle Club

The Puzzle Club is one day per week.

House Competition

You will have the opportunity to enter The House Mathematics competition which is open to all students and continues throughout the year. You could also win a prize, which is awarded at the end of the academic year, for the student gaining the most number of House points in their respective year group.

Competitions

Students in all year groups are entered for the UKMT Mathematics Challenge competition and many achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates with a number progressing to sit the more challenging papers in subsequent rounds.  

Ratcliffe hosts, bi-annually, the UKMT Team Challenge Regional Final at Intermediate Level (Years 8 & 9).  

Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics.  I can assure you that mine are still greater.

Albert Einstein