During KS4, all students follow the Edexcel GCSE syllabus at Key Stage 4. The GCSE course incorporates all aspects of Mathematics: number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics. It focuses on applying Mathematics in context, problem solving, reasoning and the functional elements of Mathematics, concentrating on the knowledge and applications that are most accessible and relevant. The course is a linear scheme with three exams at the end of Year 11, consisting of 1 non-calculator paper and 2 calculator papers.
During KS4, and alongside GCSE Mathematics, there is an opportunity for selected students to follow additional Mathematical courses.
These are:
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is designed to stretch and challenge high achieving mathematicians. It is the equivalent to a full GCSE course, but it doesn't cover the full Key Stage 4 (KS4) programme of study. It is ideal for students who are predicted to achieve Grades 8+ at GCSE, and are likely to progress to A-level Maths and Further Maths.
Edexcel GCSE Statistics develops skills that students will use in other subjects such as science and geography, and reinforces techniques needed for GCSE maths as well as supporting progression to A level maths. Real-life scenarios will capture their interest and give them an insight into the importance of statistics in the real world.
AQA Entry Level Mathematics provides basic and relevant mathematical skills and can support students who can find it difficult at times to access the GCSE course. The specification is co-teachable with GCSE, to suit students who are studying both qualifications.
The grading for these courses, is as follows:
GCSE Mathematics
This course is a tiered examination with two levels of entry:
• the Higher tier awards grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, (Grade 3 allowed)
• the Foundation tier awards grades 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics
This course is a non-tiered examination.
• Grades achievable Distinction (A^), A*, A, B and C.
Edexcel GCSE Statistics
This course is a tiered examination with two levels of entry:
• the Higher tier awards grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, (Grade 3 allowed)
• the Foundation tier awards grades 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
AQA Entry Level Mathematics
To complete the course, students’ complete tasks to show their understanding of key mathematical skills. Students are then awarded Entry Level 1, 2 or 3.
Homework
Year 10
All students must use Hegarty Maths which is an online platform. Students are expected to complete at least 45 minutes per week. This would normally equate to making notes from 1 video and completing 1 task. All homework must be completed in their Hegarty book. Each student will have a personal login and watch the video for each task and complete the questions. They can message their teacher for assistance via Hegarty Maths. However, an immediate response is generally not possible.
Knowledge Organisers Homework
Each term, students will complete a minimum of 2 Mathematics Knowledge Organiser homework task. This task will consist of learning a number of key words, definitions and/or formulas. They must follow the instructions provided in their self-quizzing book. On the day the homework is due in, each student will be asked to write out in full the key words, their definitions or the formulae they were given for homework. A completed homework is where a student is able to provide evidence in their self-quizzing book that they have followed the instructions and have written the key words, definitions and/or formulae at least twice.
Year 11
All students must use Hegarty Maths which is an online platform. Students are expected to complete at least 60 minutes per week. This homework is a mixture of making notes and completing tasks as set by the teacher. All homework must be completed in their Hegarty book. They can message their teacher for assistance via Hegarty Maths. However, an immediate response is generally not possible.
Every student is also issued with an exam booklet to complete per term. These are set, and every student has 1 to 2 weeks to complete each paper fully.