Introduction
Mathematics and Numeracy play an essential part in everyday life. Learners will need to be properly equipped and have the confidence to apply and adapt mathematical skills and techniques to new situations and context while developing the skills needed for future opportunities in life and work. GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Numeracy are allocated a total of 7 hours teaching time each fortnight. Both qualifications build on the levels of Mathematics and Numeracy expected at the end of KS3.
The course
The structure for both GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy is the same.
There are 3 tiers of entry.
Higher Tier: Grades A* – C 1hr 45mins 80 marks
Intermediate Tier: Grades B – E 1hr 45mins 80 marks
Foundation Tier: Grades D – G 1hr 30mins 65 marks
Pupils are taught in sets and are entered for Higher Tier, Intermediate Tier or Foundation Tier, depending upon progress. These sets are fluid and movements are made in response to pupil needs for further challenge or support. GCSE Mathematics is regarded as one of the key subjects as it is necessary for enhancing job opportunities and career prospects. Many careers require a formal qualification in Mathematics, namely Engineering, Banking, Business, Economics and Teaching. Higher Tier pupils have the option to gain a further qualification, the Level 2 certificate in Additional Mathematics in order to prepare them for A level studies.
Assessment
There are 2 papers for each qualification, each paper counting for 50% of the final grade of both qualifications. Paper 1 is non-calculator and Paper 2 allows the use of a calculator. There are no controlled assessments or course work, but pupils are expected to complete a substantial amount of work at home, including past papers and other revision materials in preparation for their exams.
GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy will assess the mathematics that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world of work, and in other curriculum areas. It will have an emphasis on those aspects of mathematics which are of most relevance to learners functioning as informed twenty-first century citizens. The course will prepare learners to make decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. Solving problems in the real world and the problem-solving cycle will feature within the specification as well as the more numerical aspects of mathematics. Learners will make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money and the use of statistics.
Revision sessions are run by specialist teachers using past GCSE papers, revision CDs and web based resources such as Hegarty Maths and MyMaths