Mathematics GCSE

Duration of course: 2 years

Course type: GCSE

Examination Board: AQA

Overview: 

All students will follow the GCSE Mathematics course. Groups will be split into Higher and Foundation Tier groups at the start of year 11 based on attainment in year 10.

Assessment Method and Component Percentages: 

• 100% examination
• 3 written papers at GCSE (all 1hr 30 minutes long, 80 marks per paper, 1 non-calculator and 2 calculator papers.)
• Students are required to have their own scientific calculators – preferably Casio Fx85-GT.

Students will regularly see GCSE examination questions across Key Stage 4. At Higher Tier, grades 4 – 9 are available. At Foundation Tier, grades 1 - 5 are available. Students not achieving the lowest grade on their paper will achieve a grade U (ungraded).

A ‘Good Pass’ is now classified as a Grade 5. Although it is possible to gain entry to 6th form or college with a grade 4, many further education courses (including Universities) require a grade 5, therefore all students gaining below a grade 4 will be required to resit, and any gaining a grade 4 are encouraged to resit to achieve a grade 5.

What will I learn? 

The Mathematics GCSE is split into 5 strands:

• Students will build upon, and extend, their knowledge from Key Stage 3.
• The ability to ‘problem solve’ is assessed at both Higher and Foundation Tier.

How will I learn? 

You will learn mathematics in a similar way to KS3, but with far higher demands placed on the student.

Departmental Expectations: 

• All students come to lessons with an open mind and ‘can-do’ attitude towards mathematics.
• All students bring their own equipment – a pen, pencil, ruler, protractor, compass and calculator.
• All students complete a minimum of 1 hour of private study (homework) per week, this increases to 2 hours in year 11.

Career Potential: 

There are many potential careers which are rooted in mathematics, these include, but are not limited to – Computer Science, Game Theory, Accountancy, Investments & Finance, Medicine, Engineering and Teaching.

Future Progression routes possible: 

History is a very popular A Level and degree subject. GCSE History will be useful if you are considering A Levels in English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Philosophy/Religious Studies, Politics or Geography. If you are considering degrees in any of these subjects as well as Law, Business, Politics, Anthropology or Economics then GCSE History will be useful to you.

Entry Requirements:

A Level Mathematics (Grade 7+ required), Further Mathematics (Grade 8+ required) or Maths Studies (Grade 5+ required). A Level Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science also require students to achieve at least a Grade 6 in GCSE mathematics.

Contact person: Mrs A Cooper