The main aim of the department throughout the school is the teaching of Mathematics through understanding and to make the subject as enjoyable for the pupils as possible.

We make every effort to ensure that all pupils are numerate, that tables and routine calculations become second nature, and we aim to give pupils the ability to decide which basic techniques to use when confronted with mathematical problems. Throughout the school we concentrate hard on the ‘four rules' applied to integers, fractions and decimals, and all other topics relate directly back to this. We follow the current Common Entrance syllabus, which is regularly updated and mirrors the National Curriculum, including the increased emphasis on non-calculator methods and initiatives in the national Numeracy Strategy. This is necessary, as the Common Entrance papers have recently changed to bring them in line with the public examinations; so all of our pupils now have to take a separate calculator and non-calculator exam.

Nearly all mathematical topics taught here are introduced at an early age, and then extended as a child progresses through the school. In this way each pupil will meet the same topics each year but will slowly be able to tackle more exacting problems and thus gain in confidence. Also, topics remain fresher in the mind and are not neglected for two or three years.

The new pupils come from a number of different schools and thus their standards and the topics that they have been taught can vary enormously.

In the Form 1's we give a thorough grounding in the basics and introduce some new topics. The main bulk of the Common Entrance syllabus is taught in the Removes, Shells and 100's, every year extending each topic a little further, with the aim of completing all the work for the Common Entrance papers.

In Form 5 (Year 7) we teach the extension work and start on the scholarship syllabus, so that pupils who will eventually take a scholarship are as well prepared as possible.

In their final year children revise the whole course, attempt practice papers, and take Common Entrance, Winchester Entrance or a scholarship.

From the 100's (Year 7) upwards, pupils are expected to own and use a calculator, but this does not replace the use of mental arithmetic. Both have a place in mathematics and are required in Common Entrance examinations.

The more able mathematicians within the year groups are entered in the various UK Maths Challenges, which are held throughout the year, and Abberley pupils regularly achieve success across the age range.

Throughout the school, the syllabus allows time for ‘diversions', problems are set and practical work is carried out. All of these should contribute to a pupil's understanding of the subject. By the time the pupils leave Abberley, we hope not only that they will have been well grounded and are confident in applying their knowledge within different contexts, but that they have enjoyed the subject as well.