Mathematics at Wycombe Abbey School is a vibrant and popular subject. Indeed, it is one of the most popular subjects at A level with over 50% of lower sixth students studying it at AS level.

The main aim of all the teachers in the department is that their students enjoy  maths lessons while being encouraged and challenged at all times. The most able students are offered material that allows them to think about Mathematics in a creative way and to appreciate the beauty of a clear and concise mathematical argument.

Hmm so if I use the grid system to divide the pizza some pieces are smaller but everyone gets two olives....

The needs of those who find Mathematics more demanding are considered at all times. They are taught in very small groups and the caring and encouraging approach of the teachers allows the girls to blossom and overcome any misapprehensions they may have had about the subject. As a result, all the students achieve excellent grades at IGCSE with over 97% of students being awarded A*/A in the last two years.

We aim to offer a challenging but well supported curriculum at all levels. The girls are placed in divisions shortly after joining the school. We regularly monitor the performance of all the students to ensure that they are in the correct division and that there is appropriate movement between divisions. From the beginning of the UIV, students in the top division start to work at an accelerated pace and they will generally complete the IGCSE topics by the end of the LV. They will then move onto topics that will build towards A level Mathematics.

We now follow the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus, which is widely recognised to be an interesting, challenging and rigorous alternative to the GCSE, and we have found that students have responded well to the course. It is considered to be particularly valuable to students who intend to continue with Mathematics in the Sixth form.

There are a wide range of options at  AS/A level with students choosing the course which suits their ability and which offers the best preparation for university.

They can study any of the following options:

AS Mathematics

A level  Mathematics

A level Mathematics with AS Further Mathematics

A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics