Studying Maths at A Level
Head of Maths, Andrew Perrins, talks more about A level course content.
Mathematics
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Why Study Mathematics?
The department is situated at the heart of King's, occupying classrooms along the main corridor. Pupils arriving in Third Form follow an integrated three-year course that covers work required for the iGCSE and beyond.
A level maths is an extremely popular choice at King's. Numbers taking further maths have increased dramatically, while The Jacobians (the long established Sixth Form Maths Society) meets regularly to discuss areas of the subject far beyond the confines of the usual curriculum. In recent years we have had visits to external lectures in Bristol, Plymouth, Glamorgan and Exeter, as well as attending a talk at the Royal Society in London.
Our 'Maths Clinic' is held two lunchtimes a week, when staff and Sixth Form pupils are on hand to give extra individual help. Over a hundred pupils enter the UK Intermediate and/or Senior Maths Challenge each year, which leads to the UK Maths Olympiads and Team Maths Challenges.
The Only Subject That Counts...
The Jacobians is King’s oldest society and is open to all Sixth Form mathematicians. There are meetings every two to three weeks, with the final meeting of each term traditionally being a pizza evening.
Meetings could take the form of a short talk, activity or presentation, a puzzle evening, pub quiz or a mathematically-themed theatre trip. Recent meetings have also included talks entitled Maths BC, Cryptic Puzzles, and The sky’s the limit.
Mathematics Challenges
At the start of November, our Sixth Form mathematicians, as well as the pupils in top set maths in the Fourth and Fifth Form competed in the Senior Mathematical Challenge.
Aimed at promoting a love of problem solving, the Senior Mathematical Challenge is a 90-minute, multiple-choice competition for pupils across the UK.
It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. These problems are designed to make pupils think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.
We're delighted to announce that pupils achieved two Gold, nine Silver and 43 Bronze Certificates.
Upper Sixth pupil, Charlotte K, achieved ‘Best in the School’. Along with Lower Sixth pupil, Barry L, she achieved above the 108 mark threshold to qualify for the British Olympiad. Both pupils should be congratulated on this exceptional achievement.
Fifth Form pupil, Ruth B and Fourth Form pupil, Timothy H, both achieved Silver awards and 'Best' in their respective year groups.
Andrew Perrins
Andrew Perrins was previously Head of the Mathematics and Economics Faculty at the Mulberry School for Girls in London. Educated at Ashville College in Harrogate, he then went on to study a MMath degree at Oxford.
Meg Menheneott
Meg graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc in Statistics. She has worked at King's since 2011 teaching Mathematics. Meg is the Sixth Form Events Coordinator and coaches netball and tennis.
Gerd Wrobel
Gerd was born, raised and educated in Germany. He holds a degree in maths and physics and, after completing a PGCE, has been working in England since the late 90s. He moved to King's in 2006 and has a son at King's College, and daughter currently at King's Hall School.
Tristan Stone
Tristan joined King's in 2017. Before King's Tristan worked at Epsom College as a teacher of maths, and most recently, was housemaster of a boys' boarding house. Tristan was educated at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital School.
Ruth Streeter
Ruth initially joined us on a part-time basis from Taunton School, covering maths and LS lessons. She now works full-time in the maths department.
Wendy Grant
Prior to joining King's, Wendy was the Head of Maths at Trinity School, Teignmouth
Paul Sparks
Paul is moving to King’s from Dubai College, where he has taught since September 2013. He is a an experienced school leader, having been Head of Maths at two schools, including two stints at West Somerset Community College and Deputy Head at The Chantry High School. Paul is keen to become involved with coaching cricket and he also has experience of DofE, World Challenge and leading a school trip to India.
Jess Eggleton
Jess joined King's from Heathfield Community School, where she also completed her initial teacher training. She has taught KS3 and 4, as well as many pupils with special educational needs. At Heathfield, Jess was a tutor and taught PSHE as part of this role; she is keen to continue as a tutor at King’s. She holds an assistant coaching qualification for trampolining, played netball and hockey for her school, enjoys running, and is looking forward to playing a part in the co-curricular life of school.
