Maths GCSE - Core

Contact: Mr O Morrison

Maths GCSE - What skills will I develop?

This qualification in Mathematics encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. This qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.

Course Content and How will I be assessed?

Assessments will cover the following content headings:

1. Number

2. Algebra

3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change

4. Geometry and measures

5. Probability

6. Statistics

• Two tiers are available: Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier).

• Each student is permitted to take assessments in either the Foundation tier or Higher tier.

• The qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier.

• All three papers must be at the same tier of entry and must be completed in the same assessment series.

• 3 papers, 1 paper is non-calculator and in the other 2 calculators are allowed.

• Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• The content outlined for each tier will be assessed across all three papers.

• Each paper will cover all Assessment Objectives.

• Each paper has a range of question types; some questions will be set in both mathematical and non-mathematical contexts.

• Assessment in the summer exams at the end of Year 11.

• The qualification will be graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three papers where 9 is the highest grade. Individual papers are not graded.

• Foundation tier: grades 1 to 5.

• Higher tier: grades 4 to 9 (grade 3 allowed).

Progression Routes

Career opportunities are unlimited for mathematics majors. They may pursue graduate education, career paths in business, science or technical fields or disciplines such as social services, education and government. Some of the occupations that mathematics majors enter include: