Our teaching style is a blend of the best traditional and modern practices. We teach for understanding and reinforce this with plenty of class practice, marked homework and tests. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and pupils are encouraged to use the appropriate tools for each problem, be it computer, calculator or pen and paper. We encourage pupils to work both independently and as members of a team. Expectations are high as we believe that with enthusiastic, lucid and stimulating teaching they can gain results far beyond their original aspirations. The Department runs regular drop-in sessions for pupils wanting extra one-to-one support and, as exams approach we also run an extensive programme of mock papers and revision sessions.

Junior School Mathematics

Pupils are setted from the outset (with their setting kept under constant review). The top set takes Edexcel Higher Tier IGCSE Mathematics at the end of year ten; they then start the AS course in year eleven. The other sets take Higher Tier IGCSE at the end of year eleven. Almost 60% of our pupils achieve an A* or A grade.

Sixth Form Mathematics

Mathematics is a hugely popular choice at Eastbourne. We follow MEI Mathematics, and our Upper Sixth pupils have averaged 91% A*-B grades over the last five years. The mathematical skills of analysis, logical argument, problem solving and communication are highly valued by universities and employers. That said, those who are not confident of achieving at least an A grade on the IGCSE course are likely to find the course extremely tough; strong algebraic skills are paramount.

Further Mathematics is taken by those who have shown themselves to be amongst the most able Mathematicians in their year group. Nearly all of these pupils will ultimately be aiming for places at Oxford or Cambridge. As well as preparing pupils for their modules, we aim to stimulate interest and expertise in the subject beyond the confines of the syllabus. Anyone of Oxbridge calibre in Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Sciences or Computer Science is strongly advised to take this course; Further Mathematicians have been conspicuously successful in obtaining Oxbridge places in recent years.

Oxbridge Maths

A number of pupils in recent years have successfully applied to read Maths at Oxford or Cambridge. For those applying to Oxford there is the Oxford Maths Entrance Test taken in November of the Upper Sixth, followed by an interview in December. Prospective Cambridge applicants will also be interviewed in December and then be required to take some of the Cambridge STEP examinations in the following summer; in both cases we provide support to ensure that applicants are prepared as best they can be.

Outside of the classroom

The top dozen or so mathematicians in each year are invited to enter the National Mathematics Contests. Those who do well qualify for the follow-up Olympiad competitions, targeted at the top 500 pupils in each year across the country. Eastbournians have enjoyed particular success in recent years, reaching the Olympiad and European Kangaroo follow-up stages. Those that show a real aptitude and passion are invited to join our elite mentoring scheme, which gives students the opportunity to explore more advanced material, and develop as true mathematicians. We also enter the junior and senior team challenges. In the summer term we run a special maths day for year seven children from local schools.

We encourage our best mathematicians to attend lectures in London and elsewhere to broaden their mathematical experience and interest. The department also houses a small library of recommended books which those pupils with a mathematical passion are encouraged to borrow.