Maths

Mathematics is essential to everyday life by providing a foundation for understanding the world around us. The aim of our mathematics curriculum is to give our students every opportunity to exceed in the real world. Our students will be able to reason and communicate mathematically, solve problems in a wide range of contexts and develop mathematical curiosity. The mathematics curriculum will enable students to take their transferrable skills to explore various subjects and prepare for future careers.

Maths at Key Stage 4

Maths is part of the core curriculum at Key Stage 4 and all students study GCSE Maths in Year 10 and 11.

GCSE Mathamatics

Aims of the Course

Mathematics is a core subject in the National Curriculum and is important for many different jobs and careers. A good knowledge and understanding of Mathematics can also help you with other subjects you will study as well. 
  
The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure all pupils: 

• become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics including being able to deal with more complex problems over time and developing conceptual understandings. 
• be able to reason mathematically, developing arguments, justifications and proofs using mathematical language. 
• be able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to routine and non-routine problems, breaking them down into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions. 

Course Content 

The course covers all the main areas of Mathematics including: 

• Number Skills including percentages, decimals, fractions and problem solving. 
• Algebra including simplifying and manipulating expressions, index laws and using algebra to construct arguments and proofs. 
• Geometry and Measures including plans, elevations, transformations, length, area and volume problems. 
• Ratio and Proportion including scale factors, proportionality, and setting up and solving growth and decay problems. 
• Statistics and Probability including being able to understand and interpret statistical data and represent data using graphs and tables. 

ASSESSMENT

The course will be assessed at the end of Year 11 by examination. 
 Three written exams, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, worth 80 marks each:

• Paper 1 Non-Calculator 
• Paper 2 Calculator 
• Paper 3 Calculator 

 The exams are equally weighted.   The GCSE grades awarded will run from grade 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest.  

Beyond GCSE

A good standard at GCSE is required for almost all post sixteen courses, apprenticeships or career paths. 

Further information

The awarding body for GCSE Mathematics is Peason Edexcel. Further details about this qualification can be found on the Peason website here: Pearson Edexcel GCSEs Mathematics (1MA1).