Qatar International School

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 at QIS follow a mathematics syllabus based on the English National Curriculum and National Numeracy Strategy. This is tested towards the end of Year 9 by the QCA Mathematics SAT's examination.

Based on:

• the results of this examination
• the pupil's performance in Year 9 in Module Tests
• the recommendation of their Year 9 Mathematics teacher

pupils are selected to follow either the "Core" or the "Extended" syllabus to IGCSE level. Here it must be pointed out that the difference in mathematical ability required for these courses is quite marked. A pupil who has achieved a SAT's level below level 6 is unlikely to be able to cope with the intellectual demands of the "Extended' course, as this not only poses more difficult questions but also contains several additional topics of study.

The department does, however, encourage as many pupils as possible to attempt the "Extended" course. It is easier for a pupil to transfer onto the "Core" syllabus from the "Extended", should they be unable to cope with the more difficult concepts, rather than the other way.

The IGCSE programme of work offers pupils the opportunity to build upon the skills learnt in Key Stage 3 and to develop many new mathematical concepts. Underpinning these courses is the use of precise mathematics language, the integration of problem solving techniques and the application of mathematics to real life situations. Pupils are encouraged to 'talk mathematically', to develop strategies and to make connections - both within mathematics and to other subject areas.

"Mathematics is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around us - so anything we learn in Mathematics has literally thousands of applications, in arts, science, finance, health and leisure."

Professor Ruth Lawrence, University of Michigan

The Mathematics Department also offers AS Mathematics in Year 12 and A Level in Year 13. Due to the advanced nature and difficulty of this course it is only open to pupils who hove studied the Extended syllabus and have achieved grades of A*, A or B in their IGCSE Examination.

Overview of Syllabus

The following summaries (in *.pdf format) are available:

Key Stage 3: see schemes of work for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 to 11)

AS Level (Year 12)

A Level (Year 13)