Mathematics

Key Information

Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem solving skills. Not only will studying maths help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.

Assessment

The mathematics course is linear, consisting of three examinations, which are assessed in June of Year 11. Pupils will be entered for the tier appropriate to their overall level of performance.  Each examination is 1 and a half hours in length and they are equally weighted.  The first examination paper is non-calculator and the remaining two are calculator papers and are all assessed out of 80 marks.  There is no controlled assessment in the mathematics GCSE course.

Subject information

The aims and objectives in mathematics are to enable students to:

• develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts

• acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems

• reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions

• comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

The curriculum covers the following content headings:

1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Geometry and Measure
4. Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change
5. Probability and Statistics 

The mathematics qualification has been developed to be:

• demanding, through internationally benchmarked standards, encouraging deep learning and measuring higher-order skills.

• rigorous, through setting and maintaining standards over time, developing reliable and valid assessment tasks and processes, and generating confidence in end users of the knowledge, skills and competencies of certified students.

• inclusive, through conceptualising learning as continuous, recognising that students develop at different rates and have different learning needs, and focusing on progression.

• empowering, through promoting the development of transferable skills.

• There is a greater emphasis on the application of mathematical knowledge through problematic questioning and the expectation that students can explain their rationale for their answers. 

Is this course right for me?

Mathematics is part of the core curriculum. A strong foundation in numeracy and problem solving is essential in preparing ourselves for our future.

Studying Maths helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, Maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics, build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions.

What can this lead to?

A Mathematics GCSE opens the door to numerous jobs and is required for further study at college or sixth form.

A variety of courses are available should you wish to continue studying mathematics at college, these include:

• Mathematics A Level

• Mathematics Studies A Level

Mathematics is very helpful for further study in a whole range of subjects, as well as a key skill in many aspects of work and life.

There are a large amount of careers that involve the use of Maths and an interest in figures some examples are:

• accountancy 

• administrative work with figures 

• architecture 

• computing

• financial advice work 

• financial services

• logistics 

• management and administration

• marketing and market research 

• purchasing 

• quantity surveying 

• stock and commodity market work 

• medical and healthcare work