GCSE mathematics provides a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It encourages students to develop confidence in mathematics, have a positive attitude towards mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. The course also provides a strong mathematical foundation for students who go on to study mathematics at a higher level post-16.
GCSE mathematics enables 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.
In Key Stage 4 students study mathematics for 3 hours per week in Year 9 and 4 hours per week in Year 10 and 11. The syllabus studied is the linear Edexcel Specification. This allows students to study at either Foundation Level (grades C – G), or Higher Level (grades A* – D).
Students are taught using the Collins GCSE text book as a main text.
The examinations for the GCSE course are in the summer term of Year 11. Students sit two papers; a non-calculator paper and a calculator paper.
New Mathematics curriculum 1 – 9
Due to the national changes to GCSE Mathematics, students in Year 9 and 10 will be following the new curriculum using grades 1 – 9, 9 being the highest. Their mathematics examinations will again have two tiers of entry, Foundation (Grades 1- 5) and Higher (grades 5 – 9).