RVHS Pathways to Success, 2024

Course Summary

This course aims to develop mathematical techniques, skills, and understanding, so that students are able to successfully access future educational and employment opportunities.

It requires students to be active learners able to use written, spoken and practical skills so that their mathematics can be fully understood, explained, and used in context, so that it can be applied to everyday situations in order to analyse and problem solve.

Students will be required to work as individuals, in pairs and in small groups. It is essential that students take a mature view so that they can fully benefit from Home learning and other individual study opportunities.

The course builds on the work of Year 7-9 as well as introducing new topics.

This GCSE Mathematics examination is designed to be engaging and accessible. It currently consists of the following components, Using & applying, Number, Algebra, Shape Space and Measures, and Data Handling. The intention is to teach and enter students in the two Extension Sets and two Core Sets for the Higher Tier allowing access to grades 4 to 9.

Students in Sets 5 will be prepared for the Foundation Tier examinations which will give them access to Grades 1-5

Course Assessment

The Maths GCSE course is assessed using three externally marked papers:

2 Calculator Papers
1 Non-Calculator Paper

How Can I Do Well in This Subject?

Remember that there are no magic wands to help you gain success in Mathematics at GCSE. Aim to work steadily from the start of the course and develop good working practices that help you; review the work you did in lesson, and ensure you complete all the Home Learning asked of you on time.

When you get stuck remember that you are probably not alone, and that such opportunities are there to provide you with the chance to ask questions and think about what you are learning as well as how and why the skills you are learning work and can be used.

Ask questions, take part and remember that the teacher is there to help. Take responsibility for yourself by seeking help as many times as you need in order that you understand what you are doing.

Never forget that Maths is not about memorizing. While you need to remember what you do it is much more important to understand what you are doing and why and how topics link together and that one skill can be transferred to and used in another topic.

Career Pathways

Students need to be very aware that success in achieving at least their Minimum Target Grade in mathematics is an essential indicator of their suitability for future training and other educational opportunities whether these are in a school, college, apprenticeship scheme, or employment context.

All students should therefore apply themselves to their study of GCSE mathematics from day 1, so that they maximize their GCSE grade and achieve at their highest level.

While at least a grade 5 is desirable, we recognise that for some students this might not be possible. All students should therefore recognise that they gain credit by always giving of their best in this subject.

The ability to use Maths effectively is essential in life and is seen by many as being an indicator of the ability to problem solve, analyse data, and make sensible decisions based on evidence.

Virtually every course at 16+, and every employer seeks a good mathematics GCSE grade and the indication that mathematics skills can be used effectively in context in order to solve problems.

Staff Contact

Mr Edeko - Head of Faculty, please click here to send an email.