Mathematics

MATHEMATICS                                                              AQA              8300

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is a universal part of human culture.  It is the tool and language of the arts, commerce, computing, engineering and other sciences and plays a vital role in the modern world.  The Mathematics Department at AHS aims to encourage enjoyment of and enthusiasm for Mathematics.  You will be stretched and challenged by your mathematical activities, but also maintain confidence in your ability to deal with these challenges.  Typically, all students are entered for Higher Tier at GCSE.  

Students participate in the National Mathematics Challenges and enjoy considerable success, with several students qualifying for the next round of competitions each year.  Students have the opportunity to attend a mathematics clinic which is open once a week for support in their studies.

How is the course organised?

The GCSE course builds on and develops the mathematical knowledge and understanding acquired in Key Stage 3.  It develops oral, written, practical and problem-solving skills, meeting the requirements of the Mathematics National Curriculum at Key Stage 4.  The efficient use of calculators is encouraged but during the course there is also emphasis on improving and enhancing your mental skills.  The content is differentiated to match the abilities of individual students.  You will be taught in the most appropriate teaching set, to bring out the best in each student.

How is the GCSE Mathematics course assessed?

Paper 1                  Non-calculator                33⅓%                    1½ hours 

Papers 2 & 3           Calculator                       33⅓% each            1½ hours each

Content from any part of the specification may be assessed on any of the papers which have a mix of question styles from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems.  The mathematical demand increases as the student progresses through the paper.  

The six topics covered are: 

For setting and timetabling purposes, students are streamed by ability into two bands, N and M, in which there are sets 1, 2 and 3. 

Sets 1 and 2 have also had the opportunity to study AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics 8365. The extra content is taught over the course of Year 10 and there is an overlap with GCSE Mathematics. 

How can I find out more?

See Mrs Davidson-Fox (Head of Mathematics), Miss Stephens (KS4 Maths Coordinator), your Maths teacher or the Maths Subject Ambassadors. Have a look at the AQA website where you will find the specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300 

 

Further Mathematics                                                               AQA 8365

Sets 1 and 2 (four sets in total) will also study for the Further Mathematics Level 2 qualification. This is built into the GCSE lessons and is taught alongside the GCSE Mathematics. Set 3 groups (there are three) will focus solely on their GCSE Mathematics. 

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths is a unique qualification designed to stretch and challenge high achieving mathematicians who either already have, or are expected to achieve the top grades in GCSE Mathematics or are likely to progress to study A Level Mathematics and possibly A Level Further Mathematics.

High-achieving students are introduced to AS topics that will help them develop skills in algebra, geometry, calculus, matrices, trigonometry, functions and graphs.

Advantages:

Disadvantages: