Mathematics & Further Mathematics
Welcome To The
Mathematics Department
WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries. The Mathematics Department in St Louis is committed to fostering a deep understanding of numeracy and problemsolving, equipping pupils with the skills they need to succeed both academically and in everyday life. Through a supportive and stimulating learning environment, we aim to develop confidence, curiosity and resilience in our learners as they explore the relevance of mathematics and its applications across many subject areas.
Aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, our department encourages pupils to think critically, work collaboratively and apply mathematical concepts to real-world contexts, ensuring they are well prepared for further study and future employment.
MATHEMATICS STAFF
Mrs E Cahill – Head of Mathematics and Numeracy
Miss O Boyd
Mrs T Cunningham
Mrs N Mackle
Miss E McKenny
Mrs E Owens
Mrs M Laverty – Numeracy Support Teacher
ENRICHMENT & EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond the formal curriculum, our Mathematics Department is committed to offering a programme of enrichment opportunities that nurture curiosity, creativity and a love of problem-solving. Each year, pupils take part in Maths Week Ireland activities, UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Challenges, QUB Mathematics Challenge for Year 13/14 students and the QUB Girls in Physics and Maths event, amongst others.
KEY STAGE 3
Overview
At St Louis, all Key Stage 3 classes follow the Northern Ireland Mathematics and Numeracy curriculum. Students have five periods per week where they deepen their knowledge from primary school. Our Mathematics lessons aim to build proficiency, logical thinking, problem solving and data analysis. We include real-life, practical applications and contexts to enable students to connect with the curriculum and understand the importance of Mathematics to our everyday lives.
What students learn
The broad areas of study include:
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Number Work
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Algebra
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Shape and Space
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Data Handling
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Probability
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Measures
KEY STAGE 4 – GCSE (Yr11-12)
Overview
At GCSE level, all pupils follow the CCEA Mathematics specification, which is designed to develop fluent knowledge and understanding of key mathematical methods and concepts. The course encourages students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions, and communicate their ideas clearly in a variety of forms.
The specification is structured into Foundation and Higher Tier pathways, each offering a choice of units that allow pupils to demonstrate their strengths and track their progress over time.
Assessment is unitised, meaning pupils complete two units—one from the initial set (M1–M4) and one from the completion set (M5–M8).
Examinations are usually undertaken in summer of Year 11, November of Year 12 and summer of Year 12.
Classes are timetabled simultaneously, allowing movement between tiers of entry based on student progress and achievement.
GCSE FURTHER MATHEMATICS
For pupils who demonstrate a strong enthusiasm, aptitude and flair for Mathematics, we also offer GCSE Further Mathematics through CCEA, providing an enriching extension to the standard GCSE course.
This qualification allows high-achieving students to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts through focused study in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, and Statistics, helping to build a robust foundation for A-level study and STEM-related pathways.
The course is designed for learners who excel in Key Stage 3 and early GCSE work, offering a challenging curriculum that promotes advanced problemsolving, logical reasoning, and mathematical resilience.
Assessment consists of three written papers—Pure (2 hours), Mechanics (1 hour), and Statistics (1 hour)—and is available in the option blocks for GCSE.
Examinations for this course take place in Year 11 (50%) and Year 12 (50%).
KEY STAGE 5 (Post-16 / Sixth Form)
Overview
At A-Level, students follow the CCEA GCE Mathematics specification, which develops a deep and coherent understanding of mathematical principles while fostering confidence and enjoyment in the subject.
The course is suitable for those who have excelled in GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE Further Mathematics, strengthening students’ ability to apply mathematics across a range of contexts and highlighting its relevance to further study, the workplace and wider society.
A-Level Mathematics provides a strong foundation and support for progression into STEM pathways and equips students with valuable analytical and problemsolving skills for future academic and career opportunities.
The A-Level specification consists of Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Both areas are studied in Year 13 and Year 14. Assessment consists of two examinations in Year 13 (40%) and two examinations in Year 14 (60%).