Maths
Mathematics is fascinating and enables you to explore the world around us; spotting and classifying patterns, manipulating numbers and algebra.It is a cornerstone for understanding science, technology, social sciences, business, finance and engineering. It builds confidence in many areas including thinking skills, comprehension, problem solving and understanding data. These skills are fundamental for life in the 21st century and maths puts the fun back into fundamental.
GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4-9). At the end of Year 11 students take three examinations at the same tier, one of which is non-calculator. There is no coursework nor controlled assessment.
EXAM BOARD: AQA
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
| PAPER | UNIT TITLE | ASSESSMENT METHOD | GCSE WEIGHTING |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Non-calculator | Examination | 33.3% |
| 02 | Calculator | Examination | 33.3% |
| 03 | Calculator | Examination | 33.3% |
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
The content of the GCSE is made up from the following areas:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- StatisticS
All content can be assessed on any of the three question papers. As such, some questions will draw together elements of maths from different topic areas.
The weighting of the topic areas has been prescribed by Ofqual and is common to all exam boards. The table below shows the approximate weightings of the topic areas for the overall tier of assessment, not for each individual question paper.
| Topic Area | Foundation Tier (%) | Higher Tier (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 25 | 15 |
| Algebra | 20 | 30 |
| Ratio | 25 | 20 |
| Geometry | 15 | 20 |
| Probability and statistics (combined) | 15 | 15 |
In line with the requirements set by the Department for Education, the expectation is that:
- all students will develop confidence and competence with the content identified in the “basic foundation content” column
- all students will be assessed on the content identified by the “basic foundation content” and “additional foundation content” columns; more highly attaining students will develop confidence and competence with all of this content
- only the more highly attaining students will be assessed on the content identified in the “higher content” column. The highest attaining students will develop confidence and competence with this content.
Students can be said to have confidence and competence with mathematical content when they can apply it flexibly to solve problems.
OTHER INFORMATION
Selected students will have the opportunity to take the Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have any further questions, please speak to Mr Barr.
You can also find more detailed information on the AQA website.
CAREERS IN MATHEMATICS
People with Maths qualifications can go into: accounting, medicine, engineering, forensic pathology, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, game development, scientific research, programming, civil service, design, construction and astrophysics to name a few?... Maths directly supports the study of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, IT, Economics, Business and Biology which can also help with your Maths revision. But studying Maths at A-level alongside an essay-based subject like English or History can help keep your options open for more jobs and university courses.
Take a look at some of the jobs we've identified below that make use of Maths:
Architect
Mortgage Advisor
Financial Advisor
Retail Buyer