Mathematics equips students with the tools to move confidently into adult life, opening doors to a wide variety of opportunities. In the Mathematics Department we are passionate about the teaching of Mathematics. We feel that every child can become fluent in the universal language of Mathematics, understanding how many cultures have contributed to its development and recognising its relevance in everyday life.

“Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth but supreme beauty” – Bertrand Russell

“God wrote the universe in the language of Mathematics.” – Galileo

Curriculum Content to follow

Exam Board—Edexcel

 Course Code— 1MA1

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics can be found everywhere.  Whether we are managing our finances, decorating our houses,following a recipe or deciding on a ‘best buy’, we use Mathematics.  An understanding of statistics and data  can help us to analyse and criticise information that we receive through the media or other sources.  Understanding  of probability and chance can be applied to develop winning strategies in a game.

Progression and Careers

A good GCSE Mathematics grade is essential for many

courses in higher education and its importance is recognised by colleges and employers alike, as it is used widely in many careers.  At University, pupils can study a variety of courses, including Mathematics, Accounting, Law, Medicine, Physics, Geography, Astronomy and many others.

About the Course

The GCSE Mathematics course will  provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their skills in the following areas:

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio & Proportion

• Geometry

• Probability

• Statistics

There is a particular emphasis on “Reasoning” where pupils need to be able to show that they can use Mathematics to solve problems in context and are able to confidently explain their decisions.

How is the Course Assessed?

Students will be assessed in their ability to:

• Use and apply standard techniques

• Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically

• Solve problems within Mathematics and other contexts

The GCSE scheme of assessment consists of 3 x 1½  hour written papers at the end of the course (each of 80 marks).

Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper.  However calculators should be used in Paper 2 & 3 for both Foundation and Higher tiers.  A scientific model will be required.

Higher  Tier Grades—9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4
Foundation Tier Grades—5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Setting

In order to allow groups of similar ability  to work together,  a fine degree of setting is used.  The setting will be based  upon performance in Year 8, but there may be movement between sets during Year 9, 10 and 11.  Depending upon individual ability, and backed by assessments and performance in class, pupils will be entered for Foundation or Higher tier as appropriate.

POST 16 subject specific entry requirements to study Mathematics related subjects.

Christ the King –

A Level Mathematics—5/6 in GCSE Mathematics
A Level Further Mathematics—7 in GCSE Mathematics

Southport College

Level 2 course—3 GCSEs at grade 3 or equivalent
Level 3 course—4 / 5 GCSE grades 9 – 4 /or equivalent

KGV –

A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics— 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

The importance of achieving GCSE Mathematics.

Courses which require specific Mathematics GCSE grades-

A Level Psychology— 5/6 in English and Maths AND a related subject (CTK)
A Level Biology– 5/6 in Maths (CTK and KGV)
A Level Economics— 5/6 in Mathematics (CTK)
A Level Chemistry— 5/6 in Mathematics (CTK and KGV)
A Level Physics— 5/6 in Mathematics (CTK and KGV)
A Level Computing— 5/6 in Mathematics (CTK and KGV)
BTEC Music Technology—4  in Mathematics (KGV)
Engineering—4 in Mathematics (Southport College)