Maths

All students MUST study Maths, which results in either

Course Description

Maths is entirely assessed by written examination, which means that no coursework is expected from any student. Students have three 1h 30min exams. The first exam is non calculator and the following two are calculator papers.

The content of the Foundation GCSE Mathematics specifications has been grouped into the topic areas of number (25%), ratio proportion and rates of change (25%), algebra (20%), statistics and probability (15%) and geometry and measures (15%).

The content of the Higher GCSE Mathematics specifications has been grouped into the topic areas of number (15%), ratio proportion and rates of change (20%), algebra (30%), statistics and probability (15%) and geometry and measures (20%)

Who would this course be suitable for?

GCSE Mathematics is compulsory for all students. If you are interested in taking Mathematics as one of your AS or A level options, you most probably need to have gained a least a grade 6 at Higher Tier. AS/A level Mathematics builds on work you have met at GCSE and also involves new ideas, which you can relate to real-life situations - it is interesting but very challenging.

Potential career paths

There are a variety of different paths that you could follow after studying GCSE Mathematics.

Whether you plan to go on to work, AS and A levels or other further studies, a good understanding of maths will be useful to you. Number skills are required in all sorts of everyday situations, such as trying to work out phone bills. Thinking like a mathematician will help to improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

A pass in GCSE Mathematics (along with one in GCSE English) is often vital for entrance to training for any number of professions or careers. It is also very valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at GCSE, AS and A level and at degree level, especially in the sciences: for example, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and medical courses.

To investigate Mathematics careers further please visit:www.mathscareers.org.uk

https://icould.com/explore/categories/subject/maths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zrsg6v4/jobs-that-use-maths/1

What do students say about this course?

"I really enjoy the independence you're given in Mathematics to share my own ideas."

"I like to work with my shoulder partner using Learning grids. We are discussing Maths together and sharing ideas”

"I found Maths difficult but I like my teacher. My teacher shows me how to answer exam questions.”

"I enjoy of being a Lead Learner. I go around and help others”

"Wagells allow me to see a clear method and it helps me to know how to get my method marks in the exam"

Assessment process

Students complete termly assessments so teachers can monitor progress, and set changes are always based on data and progress being made from the students.

Our monitoring process is rigorous and fair. All data gathered from the assessments completed within the term is analyzed regularly in comparison to class and year. This analysis is completed by class teachers and by the department. Interventions are put in place quickly in order to maximize students potential and support students where gaps in knowledge is found.

In Year 11 in preparation for their final exam, students are exposed to fortnightly exams where teachers and students can analyze students performances, and develop confidence when exposed to test conditions.

Mocks are completed in year 10 as well as year 11, and the mock results are the results that are shown to college or any further education route. These are extremely important for staff and student, so test conditions are enforced during this period. This is to prepare students for their upcoming exams and try to make them feel as real as possible.

Check up /Strengthen/ Extend

With assessments becoming more difficult, students are exposed to more complex questions. By checking their knowledge, strengthening their existing understanding on the topic and extending their knowledge we believe students can transfer their understanding in lesson to the assessments they are about to take.

This is a really important part of the assessment preparation each term, it exposes the types of questions they would be faced with in their exam so that transparency is given to students before their upcoming exams.