GCSE Mathematics

Introduction

In Year 10 and 11 all students study GCSE Mathematics, either higher tier (grade 4-9) or foundation tier (grade 1-5). At Allerton High we have an interleaving approach to delivering Maths; most topics are revisited and built upon throughout Years 7 – 11 to help students retain key concepts and deepen their understanding. This is important because the most challenging aspect of GCSE Maths for most students isn’t understanding concepts at the time they are taught; it’s recalling and applying them over time. Our differentiated and challenging schemes of work are designed to encourage students to be resilient learners who are not afraid to make mistakes.

Maths lessons generally follow a structure which encourages students to:

• recall and consolidate previous learning (iterative mixed starter)
• discover and develop skills during the main part of the lesson
• discuss, reflect on and evaluate their progress (plenary questions – often exam questions)
• tackle some purple challenge questions in order to develop their problem-solving skills

Students are assessed informally most lessons (often via mini-whiteboards) so that teaching can be adapted in response to their needs.

Year 10 students will sit one formal assessment per half term until the final term when they will sit two end of year assessments (one non-calculator, one calculator paper). Year 11 have 2 full sets of mock exams (3 papers) in November and in March.

In Year 11, we have a rigorous and effective Maths intervention programme which supports students in securing strong progress. A variety of small group interventions are regularly timetabled for students of all abilities on a rotational basis.

Setting

Our sets are based on ability and are reviewed regularly to ensure that all students are given the best chance of making good progress.

How is the course examined?

• 100% exam: 3 equally weighted papers which are sat at the end of Year 11.
• Paper 1: non-calculator paper (90 minutes, worth 80 marks)
• Paper 2: calculator paper (90 minutes, worth 80 marks)
• Paper 3: calculator paper (90 minutes, worth 80 marks)

How is the course graded?

The course is graded with GCSE grades 1 to 9.

This subject has 2 tiers.

Foundation tier is graded 1 to 5

Higher tier is graded 4 to 9

There is considerable overlap between the two foundation and higher tier course content with flexibility for transferring from one tier to another throughout the course. Decisions about tiers will always be made carefully, using assessment evidence and with the intention of securing the best grade for each individual student. Final decisions about tier of entry are not made until a few months before the final examinations. We are experienced in making the right decision about tiers of entry and politely ask that you trust our judgement.

Equipment

Black Pen

Red Pen

Casio ‎fx-83GTX Scientific Calculator

Geometry set (pencil, ruler, protractor, compasses, rubber)

Recommended Revision Guides for Year 11:

Sets 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b – GCSE Maths Edexcel Higher Revision & Practise ISBN-10: 0008110360

Sets 3a and 3b - GCSE Maths Edexcel Foundation Revision & Practise  ISBN-10: 9780008112493

Although revision guides can be very useful, the best way to revise and learn Maths is to practise exam questions. Working independently through questions and checking solutions is much more effective than writing revision notes. 

Useful websites: 

www.corbettmaths.co.uk

www.mathsgenie.co.uk

www.drfrostmaths.com

www.studymaths.co.uk

www.onmaths.com

Homework 

Year 10 students will receive one piece of homework per week (approx. 1 hour). This will be electronic via www.drfrostmaths.com or by hard copy. Year 11 students will receive weekly exam questions to complete for homework in the first term. From January Year 11 students will alternate weekly between one full GCSE Maths exam paper (1.5 hours) and one piece of homework (approx. 1 hour).

Learning outside of the classroom

Extra curricular activities:

• Year Maths Drop-In Tuesdays 3pm-4pm (Available to anybody who needs extra help in Maths or for anybody who would like to come along and do more Maths after school!)
• Rubik’s/Puzzle Club on Thursdays 3pm-4pm
• Maths Challenge Club on Wednesdays 3pm-4pm
• Puzzle Lessons once per half term in all KS4 lessons
• UKMT Maths Challenge (by invitation only)
• Maths Inspiration Days/Trips (by invitation only)