Mathematics

Mathematics at Newtownhamilton High School

"Mathematics gives us hope that every problem has a solution."

— Anonymous

Mathematics is a subject that opens doors and provides opportunities: doors to employment and further/higher educational courses and opportunities to learn about the relevance of Mathematics to every day life.

Mathematics is all around us. It exists in the proportions of artistic works, in the scores of our favourite songs and in the physical structures we live and work in daily. It is also the bedrock of many other subjects including the Sciences, Economics and Engineering and is extremely relevant to subjects like Psychology and Design.

The study of Mathematics can develop a host of skills that are essential to students continuing in their studies as well as those currently in or entering the workplace. These include problem-solving, logic and reasoning, and attention to detail. Mathematics can also lead to careers in finance, business, IT and teaching, among others.

At Newtownhamilton High School, we have very high expectations for all of our pupils and always aim to create an environment where students can develop their full potential. We encourage and promote problem solving skills and techniques at all levels and across the range of Mathematical topics, as well as encouraging students to recognise Mathematical experiences in other curricular areas. Students are also shown the relevance and importance of Mathematics to the real world and the impact it has.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 we follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum. We cover Shape & Space, Measures, Number, Algebra, and Data Handling over the three years. Incorporated into the scheme are Financial Capabilities, Mental Maths, Using ICT, Communication, Number Games and tasks in Using Mathematics.

Mathletics at Key Stage 3

Mathletics is an award-winning online learning platform designed to make mathematics engaging, interactive, and accessible for students at Key Stage 3. It supports pupils in developing their mathematical skills through a blend of curriculum-aligned activities and live challenges. Mathletics covers all major topics in the Key Stage 3 maths curriculum, including algebra, geometry, number, and data. Activities are designed to reinforce classroom learning and help pupils master key concepts. Pupils can explore maths through fun, game-based activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. The platform adapts to each student’s ability, offering support and challenge where needed. Live Mathletics

is a popular feature where students compete in real-time maths challenges against peers from around the world, helping to build speed, accuracy, and confidence. Pupils earn points and certificates for their efforts, promoting a sense of achievement and encouraging regular practice.

Mathletics helps pupils:

Build confidence in maths

Develop independent learning habits

Prepare for assessments and exams

Enjoy maths through interactive and competitive activities

Whether at school or at home, Mathletics is a powerful tool to support every learner’s journey in mathematics.

Key Stage 4

In Year 11 all pupils study CCEA GCSE Mathematics (foundation or higher) or Essential Skills Application of Number, dependent on their individual abilities and interests. GCSE Further Mathematics is also available as an option at GCSE.

Pupils at Newtownhamilton High School continually produce excellent results in GCSE Mathematics. In June 2024 and 2025 our two most recent exams, at least 76% of our pupils passed GCSE Mathematics with grades A* to C, this is a figure well above the corresponding figure for Non Grammar schools in Northern Ireland which is 59.7%.

In June 2025 one pupil achieved maximum uniform marks in GCSE Mathematics, an outstanding performance.

GCSE Mathematics

The CCEA GCSE Mathematics (foundation or higher) specification gives students opportunities to:

develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of Mathematical methods and concepts

acquire and use problem-solving strategies

select and apply Mathematical techniques and methods in Mathematical, everyday and real-world situations

reason Mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions

interpret and communicate Mathematical information in a variety of forms.

It also gives students a sound basis for progression, including progression to further study of Mathematics at AS/A2 level or to the world of work.

Course Breakdown

In Year 11 pupils will study and sit Module M2 or M3 worth 45% of their final GCSE mark, this paper is with a calculator. In Year 12 pupils will study and sit module M6 or M8 worth 55% of their final GCSE mark, this consists of one calculator and one non-calculator paper. Some pupils will be given the opportunity to study Module M4 which will enable them to achieve the grade A*.

It is possible for pupils to re-sit any module once to try to improve their grade. After school revision sessions are offered to assist with preparation for resits and focus on revision and exam technique.

GCSE Further Mathematics

This GCSE Further Mathematics specification replaces Additional Mathematics specification and retains much of the same content.

Further Mathematics involves studying Mathematics at a level beyond GCSE Higher Tier. It can act as a stepping stone that gives students a sound basis for studying GCE Mathematics, introducing some of the mechanics and statistics topics that appear at AS/A2 level.

Further Mathematics can also help students progress to other studies that require mathematical knowledge and skills, for example higher level science, geography, technology or business.

The Further Mathematics specification consists of four units, and students must study three.

Unit 1:

Pure Mathematics students investigate algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, logarithms, matrices and vectors.

Unit 2:

Mechanics includes exploring kinematics, vectors, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, friction, moments.

Unit 3:

Statistics includes understanding and using statistical terminology, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion, probability, and bivariate analysis

Through these units students will have opportunities to:

develop their Mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding;

select and apply Mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, everyday and real-world situations;

reason mathematically, interpret and communicate Mathematical information, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions; and

design and develop Mathematical models that allow them to use problem solving strategies and apply a broader range of Mathematics to a variety of situations.

Pupils studying GCSE Further Mathematics have produced excellent results in Newtownhamilton High School. In June 2018 100% of pupils studying GCSE Further Mathematics achieved a grade A* - B.

Career Possibilities

Accountant	Engineer	Statistician
Actuarian	Insurance Broker	Surveyor
Bank Clerk	Operational Research	Teacher
Computer Programmer	Shop Keeper	Trading
Economist	Software Development