Maths GCSE

Heads of Department: Miss K Earl

What is Mathematics GCSE?

At its core, GCSE Mathematics is about pattern and structure and the course aims to develop your logical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

What skills will I develop?

In GCSE Mathematics pupils learn about six aspects of mathematics:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measure
• Probability
• Statistics

In addition to learning to use and apply standard techniques, pupil will learn to:

• Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically.
• Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts.

What syllabus will I follow?

AQA 8300 GCSE Mathematics

What will the course look like?

The course extends the work covered in Key Stage 3. Pupils are organised into sets across the whole year group. The work covered by each set reflects the prior learning of the group.

Pupils are set based on a combination of their test results throughout year 9, as well as teacher assessment.

What homework will I get?

Homework is set each week and may arise from work in class, investigative work or revision topics. Assessment tests are set regularly to monitor attainment and to adjust individual targets as necessary.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of year 11, pupils sit three examination papers. Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long.

On two of the three papers, pupils are allowed to use a calculator. The three papers are weighted equally and each paper may assess content from any part of the specification.

There is no coursework or controlled assessment for GCSE Mathematics.

Pupils sit papers at one of two tiers.

Tier	Grades available
Higher	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Foundation	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

We choose each pupil’s tier of entry based on which course will allow that pupil to achieve the highest GCSE grade possible.

Pupils who may not achieve a GCSE grade 1 are able to work towards a nationally recognised Entry Level Certificate.

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

GCSE Mathematics is an entry requirement for many further education courses. Those aiming to continue to A Level Mathematics should be aiming for a grade 7 or higher. All sixth form students (at all sixth form providers) will be required to have a pass at grade 4 or above; pupils who do not achieve this will be required to re-sit the qualification.

Very many jobs have a grade 4 at GCSE Mathematics as a requirement. It is difficult to imagine a career or course that would not welcome a strong grade at GCSE Mathematics in an applicant.

Are there any entry requirements for this course?

All pupils continue to study mathematics in Key Stage 4.

If I need additional support, what can I access?

At home, pupils can make use of our subscription to the Hegarty Maths website. This has interactive lessons and homework tasks on all GCSE topics.

Many pupils find revision guides helpful and we make recommendations about appropriate guides once the course have started.

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