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Mathematics & Computer Science

Mathematics

Mathematics is at the foundation of the way our society functions, both by its intrinsic nature but also because of the numerous technological advances that have been possible as a result of the existence of Mathematics to describe it.

The fundamental skill of problem-solving is one that is applicable across all aspects of life and the aspiration for all students of Mathematics is that they will derive both enjoyment and use out of its study.

At Brentwood, we work hard to make every student in our classes feel welcome and involved. A knowledge and love of Mathematics gives our students a sense of empowerment and a deeper appreciation of the reasons why our universe is the way it is.

From the beginning, we encourage our students to discover unexpected patterns linking numbers and shapes, and as students progress towards their GCSE, they are introduced to the increasing subtleties of algebra. In the Sixth Form, our mathematicians have a choice between A Level or two different levels of IB Mathematics - Higher Level or Standard Level. At A Level, beyond an exploration of the more advanced disciplines of Pure Mathematics, students also study Statistics and Mechanics. We also encourage A Level students who are really taken with the subject to enroll for Further Mathematics, where the various disciplines are explored in greater depth.

Life is a symphony of numbers

Outside the classroom, students can continue their exploration of the world of numbers through various societies and clubs. Our longstanding involvement with the Mathematics Challenge Competitions offers boys and girls an arena in which to demonstrate their problem-solving skills in less routine situations; the questions here often demand a genuinely creative flair.

All students can succeed in and enjoy Mathematics and it is our aim as a department to ensure that through the curriculum, teaching style, teaching groups, enrichment and support activities we give each student the best chance to flourish and achieve.


Computer Science

We entertain, socialise, play, learn and work in a digital age! We live in a world where computer technology surrounds us in nearly every moment of our school, home, and working day. Understanding how that technology works is now considered, by many, a fundamental new literacy.

Computer Science is the study of how we can apply digital technologies to solve problems and allow us to develop and maximise the positive impact of emerging technologies. Included in this is how we can interact with hardware, create software for a wide variety of applications, and to become analysts and designers of systems.

Students who are aware of computer science principles and learn to apply its practices have the power to become creators – not just consumers – of computer technology. We aim to develop our students to be part of the world of the ‘haves’ rather than the ‘have nots’.

We are among a few English schools that have been offering courses in Computer Science for over 20 years. Our facilities include bespoke Computer Science rooms utilising state-of-the-art technologies in our curriculum.

A lot of the work in Computer Science is practical – students will often be taught new software skills in progressive and manageable sections before developing these skills for themselves. Students work through tasks at their own pace and are encouraged to focus on the quality, efficiency and ingenuity of their solutions. A variety of teaching methodologies and resources are used including in-house applications as well as leading-edge, online resources.

For example, as an Academic Partner of Visual Paradigm, Brentwood School is granted the use of Visual Paradigm Online for drawing technical diagrams (UML, ERD, DFD, etc) and business diagrams (BPMN, ArchiMate).

We aim to deliver a curriculum that not only provides software and hardware development tools but also develops a computational thinking mindset allowing students to develop technological solutions to a variety of problems. There is a clear emphasis on independent learning – although this skill is taught progressively, students always have the support and guidance of their teacher when required.

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