Mathematics

Details of the Examination Specification 

This year students will study the WJEC Eduqas GCSE C300 Mathematics course.  A course outline and exemplar past exam papers can be found at https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/mathematics-gcse/#tab_keydocuments

Subject Content 

Aims of the GCSE course 

To develop a knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques

To give students a foundation in mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas 

To enable students to enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems 

To give students an appreciation of the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study 

Knowledge, Skills and Understanding 

The Eduqas GCSE in Mathematics requires students to demonstrate application and understanding in the following subject areas: 

Number

Algebra

Ratio, proportion and rates of change

Geometry and measures

Probability

Statistics

During the course, learners will be given the opportunity to:

• develop problem solving skills

• generate strategies to solve problems that are unfamiliar

• answer questions that span more than one topic area of the curriculum

• make mental calculations and calculations without the aid of a calculator

• make estimates

• understand 3-D shape

• use computers and other technological aids

• collect data

• understand and use the statistical problem solving cycle.

Resources 

Textbooks and other written resources will be supplied.

Each student is expected to bring a pen, pencil, ruler, scientific calculator and mathematical instruments to all lessons. 

How is the Course Assessed? 

For the Eduqas Mathematics course, there are 2 tiers of entry.  Students may follow the Foundation or Higher curriculum. 

Eduqas Mathematics is assessed via two examinations.  All students take two written papers at the end of Year 11. 

For both curriculums, the first paper is a non-calculator paper and the second is a calculator paper.  All papers on both tiers are 2 hours and 15 minutes in length.

The papers are graded on a 1-9 point scale.  On the Foundation tier, students are eligible for grades 1-5, and for the Higher tier grades 4-9.

In both curriculums each paper makes up 50% of the marks. 

If a student fails to achieve the lowest grade available for their curriculum, they will be awarded a U grade ‘Ungraded’. 

All students will therefore be entered for the curriculum that gives them the opportunity to achieve their potential. 

The course does not contain a coursework element. 

What is Expected of the Student? 

Each student is expected to show the degree of commitment required to reach their full potential in this fundamentally important subject.  All students must bring the correct equipment to the lessons.  It is essential that students have their own calculator and become familiar with its use throughout the course.  Students must ensure that all deadlines for homework are met. 

Additional Information 

Students in Year 10 will be grouped into sets according to ability, based on their end of Key Stage 3 examination results, Year 9 module test results and teacher assessment. 

It may be possible for students to change sets during Year 10 if their work and test results show that they have been misplaced and would make more progress in a different set, however, it is unusual for us to make set moves once the GCSE course has started.