MATHEMATICS GCSE
Subject changes from 2015 First Exam 2017
• No exam board chosen yet
• 100% examination with 3 exams
• 1 calculator paper and 2 non-calculator papers
• Total of 4.5 hours examination time
• Both tiers enable students to meet the entry requirements to enter sixth form/colleges
• Students will sit higher if they are intending to study mathematics A Level
GCSE Maths exam update
GCSE Maths content update • Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now
also be covered in the foundation papers.
• New higher content will cover more essential skills required at A level.
• Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’ aspect of questions.
Some of the new topics in each tierFOUNDATION [Grade 1-5]
• Compound interest and reverse percentages
• Direct and indirect proportion (numeric and algebraic)
• Solve simultaneous equations
• Solve quadratic equations by factorisation
• Trigonometry• Lengths of arcs and areas of
sectors of circles• Vectors
HIGHER [Grade 4-9]• Functions including inverse
and composite• Iteration• Introduction to calculus• Geometric sequences• Venn diagrams
Example of a foundation tier question on averages:
Old style of question:
New style of question:
Examples of the new ‘most challenging’ material:Introduction to iteration – an A level maths topic [covered in C3]
More advanced algebraic manipulation – these skills are essential at A level
Greater links to coordinate geometry/graphs – these skills are again used at A level
Preparing for assessments and exams
• Make use of online resources: ‘mymaths’, ‘just maths’ & ‘mathswatchvle’.
• Regularly revise topics in small chunks to aid retention of key facts & skills.
• Develop resilience by answering problem solving based tasks.
mymaths.co.ukmalmesbury graph
Access new content here
online.justmaths.co.uk
MalmesburyStudent
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Video clips, worksheets and solutions available
Access to new content
mathswatchvle.com
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Access to new content
Maths changes summary• Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now also be
covered in the foundation papers
• We anticipate more students will enter the foundation paper due to its level of difficulty
• Both tiers enable students to meet the entry requirements for sixth form/colleges. Higher tier if considering A Level Maths
• Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’ aspect of questions – be resilient!
• It is important that students revise throughout the two years and keep comprehensive notes and feedback from teachers
Online revision login details
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