All students follow a GCSE course in Maths during Years 10 and 11. The specification is EDEXCEL Maths (1MA1)

Levels of entry

You will follow one of two tiers of entry, chosen to suit your ability and potential. This is based on your assessments during Key Stage 3 and your teacher’s recommendations. The tier of entry may change based on performance in progress tests.

The Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9 and may be suitable for you if you are working at around Grade 3 or better in Year 9.

The Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5 and is suitable for you if you are working below Grade 3 in Year 9.

You will need to be able to:

• recall and use your knowledge and apply standard techniques
• make conclusions based on mathematical information and communicate mathematically
• solve problems in a range of contexts by analysing problems to select the correct mathematical technique to use and evaluate the techniques used

The course

Number:

• These topics build on work on the number system and calculation work studied at Key Stage 3 with an emphasis on how you use calculations to answer problems.

Ratio, proportion and rates of change:

• These topics build on fraction, decimal, percentage and ratio work studied in Key Stage 3 with an emphasis on making links between different ways of representing numbers

Statistics and probability:

• These topics build on the averages, data and probability work that you have been studying at Key Stage 3 with an emphasis on interpreting as well as describing and representing data

Algebra:

• These topics build on your ability to form and solve equations and manipulate algebraic expressions that you have covered at Key Stage 3 with an emphasis on using accurate ways to write algebra and make yourself understood

Shape and measures:

• The angle skills, area, perimeter and volume work are extended from those covered at Key Stage 3 with an emphasis on applying angle and shape facts to solve problems

Necessary equipment

• You are required to own a calculator. It is important that you are familiar with the functions on your calculator, so we ask that you purchase calculators at the beginning of the course. These can be bought via ParentPay
• As well as calculators, all students are expected to bring a pen, pencil and ruler to every lesson
• Other mathematical equipment is provided by the department, but if you have your own, you will not have to share

Assessment

There is no coursework in GCSE mathematics. You will take a number of ‘progress tests’ throughout Year 10 and Year 11 to make sure you are keeping up with the work and following the course for the correct tier of entry..

Examinations

• All students sit three examinations at the end of Year 11, each of one and a half hours in duration. One is a non-calculator exam, the other two are calculator.
• Students in the top-set will also take the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths alongside their GCSE
• Some students may take the Entry Level Certificate as well as, or instead of, GCSE Maths.

Click below to watch a video to find out more about Mathematics in Key Stage 4