GCSE Maths

Exam Board – Edexcel (Examination code: 1MA1)


 

 

Mathematics

Linear Higher Course

Examination board: Edexcel

Examination code: 1MA1

Grades available: 4 to 9

Sets: 1 to 3

 

Linear Foundation Course

Examination board: Edexcel

Examination code: 1MA1

Grades available 1-5

Sets: 4

 

Course outline

In Year 10 and 11 students continue studying the three year GCSE maths course which they started in Year 9.

 

Each year group will continue to follow the spiral curriculum which is designed to meet the requirements of the specification at a level appropriate to the ability of the students. 

Students will experience a variety of learning and teaching styles. These include activities that provide frequent opportunities to discuss their work as well as to develop, understand and explain their reasoning.  Students use a variety of resources which include the Edexcel Pearson GCSE Mathematics textbook, mini and mega white boards and computers. We have also subscribed to websites such as Sparx Maths, Maths Watch and Dr Frost Maths. The use of a scientific calculator is essential for the course as 66% of the content is being assessed in the calculator test. 

The GCSE assessment has a great emphasis on problem solving, communication, proof and interpretation. This ensures that students have the skills they need to use Mathematics in a real life context. Problem solving questions are used in lessons on a regular basis to build pupils’ confidence to tackle these types of questions.



 

Assessment

The qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment, Paper 2 and Paper 3 are calculator assessments.

Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long and worth 80 marks each.


The assessment will cover the following content headings:

  • Number

  • Algebra

  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change

  • Geometry and measures

  • Probability

  • Statistics

 

The assessment objectives are the following:

 

Assessment Objective

Weighting

(Foundation)

Weighting

(Higher)

AO1

Use and apply standard techniques

50%

40%

AO2

Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically

25%

30%

AO3

Solve problems within mathematics and other context

25%

30%


 

The table below outlines the topic areas covered in this qualification and the topic area weightings for the assessment of the Foundation tier and the assessment of the Higher tier.



 

Careers with Mathematics

 

GCSE Mathematics course will provide excellent skills to continue studies in Mathematics to A Level.  

 

Examples of careers with Mathematics include:

  • Engineer

  • Doctor

  • Accountant

  • Investment analyst

  • Lecturer/Teacher

  • Meteorologist

  • Statistician

  • Actuaries

  • Surveyors

  • Astronomer


 

Learning Leader – Mrs K Ahmad