Key Stage 4

Staff responsible:    Mr S Hastings

Introduction

We aim to develop in students an enthusiasm and fascination for mathematics, so that they can develop their full mathematical potential.  We provide an environment where all students have an entitlement to a variety of learning experiences facilitated by a number of teaching modes.  Students have the opportunities to develop thinking skills through the encouragement of imagination, perseverance, flexibility and systematic approaches and analysis. 

All students follow a modular mathematics course at a level determined by their ability and progress. However this does not limit transfer between sets if this becomes necessary.  Every encouragement is given to the students to develop and reach their maximum level of achievement.

Qualifications available:   

It is intended that all students will complete a GCSE in mathematics.  However, a few students have the opportunity to take a certificate of achievement in order to ensure that everyone leaves school with a qualification in this subject.  The most able students will have the opportunity to gain a second GCSE in Statistics, which is taught alongside the GCSE mathematics.

Course content

The course is based on the National Curriculum.  The main topic areas for this are number, algebra, shape and space, and statistics.  The philosophy of the course will be to develop the students’ skills in communication, both written and oral, to extend their knowledge of the subject, to give insight into mathematics beyond the classroom and to enhance their development in other subjects.

How students will learn

Mathematics GCSE will provide enjoyment, interest and intellectual stimulation and should enable students:-

• to develop positive attitudes to the learning and application of mathematics;
• to develop ability and confidence in the application of mathematics;
• to develop their ability to communicate mathematical ideas both orally and in writing;
• to develop an ability to read and comprehend a piece of mathematics;
• to acquire a sound base of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for further study in mathematics, in other subjects and in employment;
• to develop learning and thinking skills of more general application, for example in decision making;
• to develop an ability in the appropriate mathematical use of calculators and ICT;
• to acquire strategies for the solution of extended problems in mathematics;
• to develop an ability to argue logically.

How students will be assessed

The assessment will place considerable emphasis on the understanding of the subject.  It will involve a variety of assessments including coursework, and traditional style written papers.  The students will sit tiered papers with their entry determined by their progress during the final two years.

The GCSE is modular with 3 examinations and 2 pieces of coursework.  Each examination is in two parts, one with a calculator and one without a calculator.  The timings of these are:

Due to recent changes in the GCSE, students no longer have to complete the coursework modules 2 and 4