GCSE Examination in Mathematics

Miss DonnellyCurriculum Leader for Mathematics

The vision

Developing an inspiring, motivating and coherent maths syllabus for the entire ability range, which emphasises and encourages:

• Sound understanding of concepts. • Fluency in procedural skill.• Competency to apply mathematical skills in

a range of contexts.• Confidence in mathematical problem solving.

KS4 curriculum for Yr 9

GCSE Mathematics is getting more demanding.

• The volume of subject content has increased.

• The demand of the content is increasing with harder topics being introduced at both the Higher and the Foundation tiers.

• The total time for the examinations is increasing to 41/2 hours.

• There is a greater emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning with more marks being allocated to these higher-order skills.

• There are fewer marks at the lower grades and more marks at the higher grades in both tiers.

• Students will be required to memorise formulae.

The new grading scale

Numbers from 1 to 9 (with 9 being the top level).Grade U still exists.

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A*ABCDEFG

Old New

‘Pass’ Benchmark

Top third of grade C and bottom third of grade B.

Top 20% of A/A*

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50%

50%

50%

50%

H F

20% of the marks must be in common questions appearing on both tiers.

Pupils will take 3 examination papers all at the same tier. Paper 1 – non

calculatorPaper 2 – calculator Paper 3 – calculator

What is assessed?

All content from any part of the specification may be assessed.

How is it assessed?

• Written exam; 1 hour 30 minutes

• 80 marks• Non-calculator• 33.3% of the GCSE

Maths assessment.

How is it assessed?

• Written exam; 1 hour 30 minutes

• 80 marks• Calculator• 33.3% of the GCSE

Maths assessment.

How is it assessed?

• Written exam; 1 hour 30 minutes

• 80 marks• Calculator• 33.3% of the GCSE

Maths assessment.

Questions

A mix of question styles from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as you progress through

the paper.

Foundation

Higher

Number 25% 15%

Algebra 20% 30%

Ratio/proportion 25% 20%

Geometry and measures

15% 20%

Probability and statistics

15% 15%16 topics have been added to the Foundation tier that were previously only tested on the Higher tier.6 new topics have been added to both tiers.

Along with these 6 new topics, another 7 new topics have been added to the Higher tier.

What will we do to prepare the pupils for the new GCSE?

Pupils will be;• given clear guidance on topics, listing the objectives

for the unit being covered.• given challenging work that focuses on the new aims,

in particular linking topics across the subject and problem solving.

• given End of Unit and termly assessments.• following a structured exam preparation programme

in the weeks/months prior to the GCSE.• regularly assessed to identify if they are on track to

achieve their target grade.

• You will be informed (and can contact us) either via the pupil planner, telephone, email or by post if any cause for concern may arise.

How can you help?• Look in their planner and their exercise books.• Encourage them to complete all homework set and to do

this in good time. • Ensure they have the right equipment, including a

scientific calculator (they make great Christmas presents! The Casio fx83GT Plus is the one everyone wants).

• Ensure they are prepared for assessments throughout the year.

• Buy them Apps (Collins Maths Revision).• Buy revision guides (CGP).• Be positive! Comments like ‘I was never very good at

maths at school’ do not help.• Get involved.• Be realistic. Not everyone should be entered for the

higher examination or can get a grade 9.• Get in touch.

Thank you for your ongoing support