Mathematics | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Department

Mathematics

Level

KS3, KS4, KS5

Head of Department

Mr A Douglas

Members of Dept

Mr A J Allen, Mr R K Hedley, Mr S Archibald, Mrs A N Graham, Mrs A Panaite, Mrs E V Johnston, Mrs K M Parks, Mrs K Rogers

Gallery

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is so much more than just a compulsory subject – the career possibilities and the skills that it teaches can be endless.

Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Data Analysis
Quantitative Reasoning

There are many interesting articles highlighting the importance of mathematics and this one is an interesting resource: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/why-is-math-important/

NI Direct states that “there are job opportunities across all occupational areas in Northern Ireland but there is higher demand in occupations which include Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent it is anticipated that the range of businesses emerging around the STEM areas will grow significantly. This will require people to get a good education in STEM subjects.”

More information on the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer can be found at: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/skills-and-employment.

What Mathematics offers?

Key Stage 3

Mathematics at RBAI follows The Big Picture of the Curriculum at Key Stage 3 with a particular focus on the Mathematics with Financial Capability Area of Learning incorporating the Cross Curricular Skills and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE level the department delivers the CCEA Mathematics Course which is compulsory for all students and offer CCEA Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics caters for pupils who have shown a particular flair at Key Stage 3 and wish to increase the breadth and depth of their mathematical skills. It is a particularly good indicator for the successful study of Mathematics at A Level. It develops a student’s ability of selecting and applying mathematical techniques and methods to mathematical, every day and real-world situations. Further Mathematics comprises 3 units:

Unit 1: Pure Mathematics
Unit 2: Mechanics
Unit 3: Statistics

Key Stage 5

CCEA Mathematics and Further Mathematics are available to study at this level. The courses include Pure and Applied Modules at AS and A2 Level.

Students will develop their ability to:

understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected;
apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general;
reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning;
generalise mathematically;
construct mathematical proofs;
use their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems that require them to decide on the solution; and
recognise when they can use mathematics to analyse and solve a problem.

Exam Success

The Mathematics Department is extremely proud of the achievements of each of its pupils and value an attitude of engagement and improvement. The department strives to produce the greatest number of A* grades at each Key Stage and 100% passing both mathematics and further mathematics.

Many students go on to pursue maths rich courses at tertiary level education or in the STEM employment sector. The department promotes mathematics courses at high-ranking Russell Group Universities and encourages students to explore the extensive range of courses on offer.

Beyond the Classroom

There is a very active super curricular programme with students annually competing in the national competitions and engaging with the following activities:

UKMT Individual Challenges – Junior, Intermediate and Senior
UKMT Extension Kangaroo and Olympiads
UKMT Team Challenges
Queens University Belfast Maths Competition for Schools
Maths Week Ireland Lectures
University Interview Preparation