GCSE Mathematics
The specification for GCSE Maths uses different forms of learning and assessment, including a Functional skills element, to develop students’ ability to think mathematically and to apply Mathematics in work, further study and their personal lives.
CONTENT
The specification consists of 3 papers, each of them 1hour 30 minutes long and out of 80 marks at either Higher or Foundation Tier. All 3 papers will be taken at the end of the course in Year 11.
Students will acquire basic transferable skills, such as the ability to: interpret and organise information; ask questions; solve problems; choose a method or technique appropriate to a task and communicate an argument.
Problem solving will be a key element, requiring students to make choices and develop strategies. The assessment objectives have changed, shifting focus from recall of prescribed content to applying facts and knowledge to demonstrate skills during problem solving.
Students will study the syllabus appropriate to their tier of entry as specified by the board. There are two tiers of entry:
Higher - leading to grades 4-9
Foundation - leading to grades 1-5
Students will study one of the two tiers in Year 10 depending on their attainment during Key Stage3 (Years 7 to 9), a Year 9 exam and teacher assessment.
We aim to get the students in the correct set for the higher or foundation tier of entry but on rare occasions, some students may be moved to the other tier depending on their progress in termly assessments over the course.
Students in our top set in Year 10 and 11 are also enabled to take the GCSE in Further Mathematics
ASSESSMENT
100% written exam. No coursework.
