Maths

Mathematics equips learners with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world.  These tools include logical reasoning, problem-solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways.

You will develop the skills and knowledge you will need in the future to tackle unfamiliar problems.  You will become more aware of the connections between different areas of Mathematics and its application in the world around you.  You will become increasingly capable in calculating fractions, decimals and percentages and using proportional reasoning.  You will build on your understanding of number and make generalisations using letters by manipulating expressions and equations.  You will extend your mathematical vocabulary to talk about numbers and geometrical objects.  You will also use geometrical properties to find missing angles and lengths, explaining your reasoning.  You will collect data, learn statistical techniques to analyse this data and display and interpret the results.

New Maths skills will be explained by the teacher through clear model examples.

Practising questions will help you understand and retain the process.

Regular assessments will show you what you know and what you still need to learn.

Mathematics is compulsory at GCSE.  The course is designed to be accessible to all learners regardless of your level of understanding or prior knowledge.

At Honywood School we follow the Edexcel examination course.  The table below illustrates the topic areas covered in this qualification and the topic area weightings for the assessment of the Foundation tier and the assessment of the Higher tier.

You will be assessed by sitting three exam papers each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

One paper will be non-calculator and the other two will be calculator papers.

The Maths GCSE is split into two tiers: Foundation and Higher

The Foundation papers cover grades 1 to 5, the Higher papers cover grades 4 to 9

Your tier of entry will be decided leading up to Cohort 11 depending on your current attainment and your expected GCSE grade.

Throughout the course, there will be regular assessments to help you understand the standard required and to give you practice sitting exam-style questions.

After you have taken your GCSEs you can continue by studying for an A Level in Accounting, Mathematics or Further Maths.  A grade 5 is required to study Accounting, a grade 7 is required to study Mathematics, and grade 8 to study Further Maths.

Learners who gain good passes in GCSE Mathematics find the skills that they acquire very useful in many other subject areas, particularly Science (where you need a grade 6 in Maths), Business Studies, Computer Science, Geography and Psychology.

An A-Level in Mathematics can lead on to many different degrees courses or careers.  It is particularly useful in Engineering, Accountancy or any of the Medical disciplines.

Mr N Powell - Subject Leader for Maths - npowell@honywoodschool.com