Mathematics is a core subject in the National Curriculum and important for many jobs and careers. A good understanding of Mathematics will help you with other subjects at College too. We aim to help you achieve the best standard that you can.
When you arrive at Guthlaxton you will be in a set based on your SATs teacher’s assessment and end result. The set may be changed depending on how you progress in the subject. The aim is for you to be in a class where the work is a challenge, but not too difficult for you. All students will need some specialist equipment for this lesson. A ruler, protractor, compasses and calculator are essential for all external exams. You will find them a great help in lessons too.
Mathematics (One GCSE) 2006 Intake Onwards
There are usually five mathematics sets on at any given time. Two of these are normally Higher level the other three being Foundation level. All levels follow the modular GCSE course. The first module is on Statistics and it is examined in February of Year 10 and is worth 11% of the final mark. A module on Number and Algebra is then taken in the summer of Year 10and this is worth 19%. There are two pieces of coursework during the course, each worth 10% and thena final exam at the end of Year 11 for the final 50% of marks. The modules can be re-taken if necessary with the better mark counting. The final level of entry is not finalised until the last exam.
“Express” Mathematics
If you are heading for a good level 7 in your Key Stage 3 Mathematics SATs, and your high school teacher recommends you for it, you can opt for Express Mathematics. In this case you will follow a Higher level course where 20% of the marks are awarded for two pieces of coursework (identical to the modular coursework) and the remaining 80% for two written papers taken in November of Year 11. Recent results in Express have been excellent. For the remainder of Year 11 you will do a second GCSE, this time in Statistics. A large number of Express mathematics students go on to take the subject a A-level or Further A-level.
Method of Assessment
For the modular GCSE 50% is by examination, 20% coursework and 30% modules.
For Express Mathematics 80% is by examination and 20% coursework.