Mathematics - GCSE

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Due to the reorganisation of the timetable, Maths is now able to set all pupils in one of five linear groups. This is a system that will prove to be a great advantage to all students; the particular advantages available to pupils in set 1 are set out below.

If you are in set 1;
Pupils in set 1 will have the chance of sitting GCSE Maths at the end of Year 10, if it is thought suitable at that stage. If not, you will join current set 2 in Year 11 and sit GCSE Maths at the end of Year 11, as does everyone else.

If you sit GCSE Maths at the end of Year 10 and get a good result we then envisage that you will start the A level course in Year 11, taking 2 modules in that year, one in January and one in May/June. If you feel that you could improve on your GCSE grade you can choose to resit that at the end of Year 11, if you wish.

Following this there are a number of possible options;

Take just one module in statistics or mechanics and gain an As level in Maths.
If your results aren’t great but you wish to continue with As or A level Maths, then restart the course in Year 12 along with everyone joining from set 2 and those from other schools.
If your results are good, continue with A level Maths in Years 12 and 13 and pick up As or A level Further Maths.
Many students will thus have 3 years in which to complete their A level.

Further Maths is difficult but it is the single most valuable qualification a sixth form student can gain. Even at As level it would greatly enhance your chances of being accepted at your first choice university.

Gaining success at A level Maths requires students to develop their mathematical thinking. It is with this in mind that we are starting a new Maths club. We will meet after school, one night a week, starting in the very near future. The aim will be to provide entertaining investigations for individuals or small groups so as to develop the appropriate skills for future success.

Course outline

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
Autumn Term Number and Algebra	Summer Term Handling Data	Core 1
Spring Term Shape, Space & Measure	Summer Term Handling Data	Core 2
Summer Term Handling Data	Summer Term Handling Data	Core 2 and Applied Maths

Homework - frequency

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
As required and prior to tests	As required and prior to tests	Generally there will be work to do at home following each lesson

Likely forms that homework will take

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
Completion of classwork Revision exercises	Completion of classwork Revision exercises	Completion of classwork Revision exercises

Student grouping

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
Pupils are placed in one of five sets, setting is reviewed regularly	Pupils are placed in one of four sets, setting is reviewed regularly	Pupils will have successfully completed the GCSE course

Assessment pattern

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
At the end of each element there is a test of the work covered and at the end of the4 year a final summative exam.	At the end of each element there is a test of the work covered and at the end of the4 year a final summative exam.	There is a Core 1 exam in January and a Core 2 exam in May/June.

Marking and grading of work

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
Class and homework is graded using the following system. The accuracy of the work is graded E= Excellent, G + Good, S = Satisfactory P = Poor, U = Unacceptable. The effort shown is also graded from 1 to 5, where 1 is best. The National Curriculum level of the work may also be indicated.	Class and homework is graded using the following system. The accuracy of the work is graded E= Excellent, G + Good, S = Satisfactory P = Poor, U = Unacceptable. The effort shown is also graded from 1 to 5, where 1 is best. The National Curriculum level of the work may also be indicated.	Students are starting to take responsibility for their own learning and the members of this class are expected to be highly motivated. We would not expect to have to follow the same pattern as lower in the school.

How can you help your child?

Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 top set
A good grasp of times-tables, number bonds and work with fractions, decimals and percentages will allow your child to enjoy success in Maths.	A good grasp of times-tables, number bonds and work with fractions, decimals and percentages will allow your child to enjoy success in Maths.	Encourage your child to work quietly, seeking a pattern, enlightenment will not always be there at the beginning but with effort it should arise.