Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Mathematics
Introduction
Between Years 9 and 11, students study the GCSE curriculum. There are two levels of assessment: foundation and higher. The highest grade possible on the foundation exam is a 5 (which is equivalent to being halfway between an old grade C and grade B), whereas the higher exam allows access to grades up to 9 (which is higher than the old A* grade). It is worth noting that the new mathematics GCSE is significantly harder than before and therefore a greater proportion of students will be advised to take the foundation level exam (which now allows for a higher top grade than previously). Sets 1 and 2 focus on the higher GCSE. Set 3 will aim to cover the higher and foundation work in Year 10, then decide on a clearer focus dependent on ability. Set 4 will focus on the foundation GCSE.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
Pearson Edexcel
Course leader
Mr O Armitage
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- Paper 1 (non-calculator): 90 mins | 33.3%
- Paper 2 (calculator): 90 mins | 33.3%
- Paper 3 (calculator): 90 mins | 33.3%
- Non-examined assessment: 0%
Curriculum
Course content
All students at Key Stage 4 study GCSE mathematics. Many of the topic areas from key stage 3 are extended and there is more emphasis on algebra and formal skills, such as trigonometry and quadratic equations. There is also a larger emphasis on contextualised problem solving.
In GCSE mathematics you will use and apply mathematics in practical tasks, in real life problems and within mathematics itself. You will:
- Develop and use a range of methods for working with numbers.
- Focus on the various methods to apply different forms of ratio.
- Use algebra to model real life situations and solve problems.
- Explore shape and space.
- Use data analysis to make judgements.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
You will need to be able to:
- Solve problems using mental, written and calculator methods.
- Use fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios to solve problems.
- Understand and apply algebraic and other mathematical skills to real life situations.
- Present and analyse statistics.
- Break larger problems down into smaller sections.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
A good GCSE grade in maths is an essential requirement for numerous future qualifications at sixth form, college or university, such as maths, engineering, economics, the various scientific courses, and more. The course also provides skills that most employers will find extremely valuable, such as problem solving, thinking creatively, an understanding of units and measures, as well as crucial number skills.
Students in Year 11 set 1 will be offered a level 2 further maths qualification during Year 11. The majority of this content is studied in lesson time but there may be some additional twilight sessions. This is a good stepping stone to studying A-level maths and sits well between GCSE and A-level maths.
