Curriculum Aims

We aim for every boy to:

• develop numeracy skills needed for everyday life;
• develop a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject;
• become confident and able mathematicians;
• be able to reason mathematically;
• be able to problem-solve in routine and non-routine problems;
• Aim High and achieve their best.

Curriculum Information

Qualifications

Students study the AQA GCSE Mathematics, specification code 8300. This is a linear course which is assessed by 3 examination papers all taken at the end of the course, the end of year 11. Each examination paper is 1 hour 30 minutes long, paper 1 is answered without the use of a calculator and both paper 2 and paper 3 are taken with a calculator. There are 6 different areas of maths which are studied and assessed; Number, Algebra, Ratio, Geometry, Probability and Statistics. Students will learn to recall basic facts and apply standard techniques, including learning and applying the given formulae. They will develop their reasoning skills and ability to both interpret and communicate mathematically. Students will also be taught exam technique and to solve problems in routine and non-routine situations. All 3 papers contain a mixture of short, single mark questions as well as multi-step problem solving questions on all 6 areas of maths.

Summary of Assessment

The linear exam structure consists of 3 equally weighted papers, each worth 33⅓%

Paper 1:  non-calculator mathematics

• Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• Non-calculator
• 33⅓ % of the GCSE Mathematics assessment

Paper 2:  calculator mathematics

• Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• Calculator allowed
• 33⅓ % of the GCSE Mathematics assessment

Paper 3:  calculator mathematics

• Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• Calculator allowed
• 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment

Students sit the exam at either the Higher tier; covering grades 9–4, or the Foundation tier; covering grades 5–1. This is a decision made with students and families at the appropriate time, usually finalised around Easter during year 10.

Where can I find more details?

Additional Information

Some higher attaining students will be offered the opportunity to study the AQA Certificate Level 2 Further Maths (8365) qualification alongside their Higher GCSE and will have the option to take this additional qualification at the end of year 11.

Subject Guides for Parents and Carers

Mathematics during Years 7 and 8

Mathematics during Year 9

Mathematics during Years 9 and 10