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Key Stage 4

All students study this subject at Key Stage 4 because…

Maths is a compulsory subject which means that it is taken very seriously by employers and colleges.The government feels everyone should be well qualified mathematically.It also:

Contributes to the development of skills and qualities like communication, reasoning, problem solving and creativity
It is useful throughout life and offers young people intellectual excitement and wonder
It is a universal means of communication and tackles problems in everyday life while preparing young people for the world of work
It encourages critical analysis - vital in understanding the world around you

What will you study?

Patterns in number and shape, looking for rules
The use of mathematical language, signs, diagrams, tables and graphs as a means of communicating clearly
Use of calculators, computers and mathematical instruments
Discussing mathematical ideas and carrying out mental calculations
Making logical deductions from given data
Using your mathematics to investigate situations and to solve problems

Course structure

Build up your work level by level so that you reach as high a level as possible

The level of GCSE entry will be decided as late as possible and will reflect the standard of class work, homework and the result of the mock examination for each girl.

There are two tiers of entry:

Higher Tier(grades A* - D) Generally groups A1 and A2
Foundation Tier(grades C - G) Generally groups B1 and B2 and most of A3

Homework

Homework is set twice a week and is used for:

Reinforcing work covered in the class
Extend study time for tests and exams
Extend work done during lessons
Introduce exam questions to the students
Informing teachers of which topics need redoing or consolidation

Assessment

Two examination papers: One paper without a calculator (50%) and another paper with a calculator (50%).There is no coursework in GCSE maths but investigative questions are to be included in the exams - this is a new development and questions of this type will be given to students as soon as they are available.