Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential. GCSE Mathematics is a qualification that is required by most employers and is often needed for entry to further or higher education, and so it is an important subject to study. Mathematics requires logical thinking and develops practical and analytical skills that can be used in everyday life.
The Key Stage 3 Curriculum (Year 7-9)
All pupils in maths are exposed to extensive number, algebra, geometry, proportion, and statistics content and are not taught on separate pathways until Key Stage 4. This ensures that all pupils can access all areas of maths and have time to develop their skills before limiting their entitlement to Higher maths. Our KS3 curriculum is an interleaved curriculum that promotes retention of knowledge and a depth of learning rather than an accelerated curriculum. For example, perimeter and angles are taught following addition and subtraction in Year 7 so that pupils have the skill-set needed to access the numeracy demands of these topics.
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum (Year 10-11)
Course Studied: GCSE Mathematics (AQA)
Specification Link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/specification-at-a-glance
Description of the course:
The GCSE maths course is based on two tiers of examinations: higher and foundation. Decisions regarding tiering of students do not take place until December of Year 11 so students have full access to the curriculum. The course is split into five broad topic areas:
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Number
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Algebra
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Geometry and Measure
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Ratio proportion and rates of change
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Probability and Statistics
How the course is assessed: In GCSE maths, students are 100% assessed through exams; all students will complete 3 exams at the end of Year 11. These are all 1 hour and 30 minutes (80 Marks) and consist of 1 non-calculator and 2 calculator papers. They contain a mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through each paper.