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GCSE Mathematics

Introduction

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most employment.

A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Course Structure

All students will study the core maths skills needed for foundation level GCSE, the more able students will also cover the additional topics needed for the higher tier GCSE mathematics. Final decisions about the tier of examination entry will be made as late as possible in Year 11.

The course covers:

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Probability
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Geometry and Measures
  • Statistics

Assessment

The GCSE examination consist of three papers lasting 90 minutes each. Paper 1 is non- calculator. Papers 2 and 3 are calculator papers. The exam board is Edexcel.

The content is broken down as follows:

Foundation Higher
Number 25% 15%
Algebra 20% 30%
Ratio and Proportion 25% 20%
Geometry and Measures 15% 20%
Probability & Statistics 15% 15%

At the Foundation level, students can achieve GCSE grades 1-5, at the Higher level students can achieve grades 4-9.

Grade 9 is the highest grade achievable.

Grade 4 is a pass.

Grade 5 is considered a successful pass.

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