Course overview
Nationally there are 2 tiers of entry in GCSE Maths:
- Foundation level at which it is possible to achieve grades 1 to 5; and
- Higher level at which it is possible to achieve grades 4 to 9
All students are required to meet the required standard during assessment to determine their provisional suitability for the GCSE Maths course. This will be followed by a further assessment in week 6 to identify suitability for progression to either the Foundation or Higher tier.
You should note that the information currently available tells us if it is possible to achieve grades 4 and 5 at both Higher and Foundation levels
This course aims to promote non-calculator and calculator mathematical skills. The course covers several mathematical topics which include:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio
- Geometry
- Measures
- Statistics
- Probability.
Course information
Assessment of progress is made throughout the year based mini classroom assessments and mock exams.
Summative assessment is by exams during May/ June. The weighting towards the final grading is shown below:
- Written Paper 1 (33%) Non-Calculator paper
- Written Paper 2 (33%) Calculator paper
- Written paper 3 (33%) Calculator paper
GCSE Maths is required in many professions such as teaching or nursing. It can also lead to A Levels and is a good foundation for enrolling on Access to Higher Education.
You must hold a Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics qualification or prove to be working at Level 2 in Maths, through initial and diagnostic assessments. The GCSE diagnostic assessment will ascertain eligibility. If a learner is not at the required level they will be offered a Functional Skills Maths programme to develop their skills to the required entry level.
The GCSE Maths Course will consist of one 3-hour classroom lesson each week. There is the option of either a day or evening class. You will be asked to complete homework on a weekly basis, however online resources and lessons will be available to help you.
