The Maths Department occupies three classrooms in Astor Block, which is located on Middle Ground.
Dover College Maths Department's newsletter
The Staff
Mr David Brooks BSc (Hons) Mathematical Sciences became Head of the Mathematics Department at the start of the Lent term in 2009. He joined College from Sir Roger Manwood's School where he taught for 4 years. Prior to that he served as an officer in the Royal Air Force leaving his job at the Ministry of Defence to take up the Graduate Teacher Programme at Sandwich Technology School. He enjoys all aspects of Mathematics and problem solving, including logic problems and Sudoku, and specialises in pure maths being applied to mechanical and physical situations.
Mrs Irina Gibbons BSc (Hons) joined the department from Sir Roger Manwood's School in time for the start of the Michaelmas term in 2010. She has been qualified for 3 years and will teach all classes including AS and A level and be the specialist teacher for Statistics. She is a Mathematics graduate from the University of Kent where she studied amongst many modules Computational Mathematics, Non-linear Systems and Mathematical Biology, Complex Analysis and Topics in Operational Research. Mrs Gibbons has a particular interest for mathematical puzzles and competitions and will head our Gifted and Talented programme.
Mrs Sarah Allen MSc (Hons)has joined the department this year and will teach Key Stage 3. She was heavily involved with College last year with girls games and coached the netball team. Her love of mathematics and time spent tutoring friends and family, have guided her towards a career as a mathematics teacher. She has an MSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition Sport and Exercise Science with Health Studies and is keen to introduce real world mathematics into her lessons.
Michael Beere BSc (Hons), DipEd, studied at Bristol University and as a postgraduate at the University of East Africa. With previous posts in Tanzania, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Mayfield College and Sacred Heart, Michael is highly experienced and a fount of knowledge. His interests include music, literature and cooking. Michael has been our specialist Further Mathematics teacher for many years. He enjoys inspiring and stimulating enquiring minds and has taught years 7 and 8 over the last two years. He organises the UKMT Mathematical Challenges for years 8, 10 and 12.
Mrs Joy Ellerington is a member of the Individual Needs Department, who works closely with the Mathematics Department in helping pupils with specific mathematical needs. She provides additional one-to-one lessons for pupils, using kinaesthetic based resources to build upon foundations for further study and progress.
The Curriculum
In years 7 to 11, all pupils are set according to ability with class sizes averaging 12 pupils. At KS3 we follow the National Curriculum and in preparation for GCSE we study the AQA Mathematics Modular syllabus. This year our pass rate at A* - C was 65%. All textbooks are updated to the new 2010 maths specification and the use of MyMaths.co.uk is encouraged in lessons and at home. The classroom atmosphere is one of industry, friendly constant support and high expectations.
At A-level we offer various AS and A2 combinations that involve modules in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. We follow the OCR syllabus. Class sizes average 10 pupils and we use what we believe are to be the best textbooks and have very high expectations of our pupils. We also offer the separate award of Further Mathematics and class sizes are generally smaller. Our pass rate last year was 100% with two pupils gaining an A* in the second year that A* grades were issued.
Other information
We offer a first class, up-to-date and highly qualified standard of traditional teaching, whilst maintaining a friendly and caring environment, throughout a pupil's time at Dover College.
Pupils may at any time, ask for and receive additional one-to-one tuition with any of the Mathematicians in the department. Use of ICT is freely available and resources are limitless.
Highly capable pupils are prepared for and invited to compete in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior National Mathematics Challenge held annually.