The Department

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The Mathematics Department at Omagh Academy is a strong and successful team of four full-time teachers. We are committed to the teaching of active, thought provoking Mathematics with the aim to develop mathematical skills and personal capabilities of all pupils.  Regular sharing of good practice and continuous professional development ensure pupils have access to modern teaching strategies and exposure to the least forms of technology available.

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Aims of the Department

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At Omagh Academy we aim to make learning Mathematics an enjoyable experience in a warm, friendly and orderly classroom atmosphere - an environment which will make a significant difference to their motivation and overall achievement in mathematics. To help us and the pupils reach their full potential, staff will always attempt to make mathematics challenging, demanding high standards of work from all and relevant in today’s world.

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The Curriculum

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The Department provides a broad coverage of the content of the NI Curriculum and follows CCEA examination specifications at Key Stages 3, 4 & 5. This provides a secure basis for the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills by the pupils. Click on the tabs below for further information. 

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Facilities & Resources

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The Mathematics department is well resourced with four well equipped, adjacent classrooms, a departmental resource room and two large store rooms. ICT plays an important role within the department, with each classroom enjoying the use of interactive whiteboards enabling teachers to use a range of interesting software utilizing different teaching strategies, all of which enhance the opportunities for our students.

 

At all levels, the department has identified, within carefully planned schemes of work incorporating well thought-out activities.  Frequent use of ICT and other teaching strategies such as practical activities, investigative tasks, mini-whiteboards, matching/tarsia cards, teacherstv, graphics calculators, pupils have the opportunity to work in a challenging, fun and diverse atmosphere.

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Mathematics Inspection 2013 (Standard Inspection Report)

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The quality of provision in mathematics is very good.

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The strengths of the provision include the:

•  strong collegiality within the department and the commitment of the teachers;

• work of the teachers to promote an interest in and enjoyment of mathematics;

• detailed planning which guides the use of effective learning strategies, including collaborative activities in which pupils explain their reasoning;

• good or better quality of teaching in all of the lessons observed;

• very good standards achieved in public examinations; and

• very good leadership and management by the Head of Department.

 

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Extracurricular Activities

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Outside class time, teachers give a lot of their time to support students including revision classes – regularly giving extra tuition to students at lunchtime and after school. The ‘Learning Support Programme’ also allows a Year 13 Mathematics student, to assist those identified pupils in Year 8-11 who may struggle with any aspect of their Mathematics work.

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Pupils are also encouraged to broaden their Mathematics experiences and have various opportunities to do so as they pass through the school. Each year, Mathematics pupils in Year 9, 11 and 13 participate in the UK Mathematics Challenges organised by the University of Leeds. They also have opportunities to take part in the annual ‘Who wants to be a Mathionaire’, NSPCC Number Day, World Maths Day, Fun Maths Road show, Fantasy Football and educational trips to Queen’s University of Belfast and W5 at the Odyssey, Belfast.