GCSE – MATHEMATICS
GCSE – MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is a compulsory subject at GCSE and is essential for most careers.
Mathematics is a key contributory subject in the STEM initiative.
The programme followed is the CEA GCSE Specification. Students are timetabled for 5 ×35 minute periods per week (usually 1 double and 3 single lessons).
Course Content
The subject is divided into 3 assessment objectives:
- Use and apply standard techniques
- Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
- Solve problems in mathematics and other contexts
These objectives are assessed through the key areas of:
-
- Number & Algebra
- Geometry & Measures
- Handling Data
Functional mathematics is embedded throughout all units, requiring students to use mathematics effectively in a wide range of contexts. Functional mathematics refers to the skills and abilities students need to develop as a young person and as an individual, as a contributor to society and as a contributor to the economy and environment.
A detailed breakdown of the modular content can be found www.ccea.org.uk/mathematics
Career Opportunities
Mathematics is essential for most careers. Career opportunities include Accountancy, Architecture, Engineering, Medical Sciences – Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Surveying and Teaching.
Whilst Grade C is considered a ‘Pass’ grade in GCSE, many universities are now requesting a minimum of Grade B in GCSE Mathematics for entry to various courses.
GCSE students engage in active teaching and learning
Tiers of Entry
[Foundation Tier – Grades G F E D C C* ]
Higher Tier – Grades E D C C* B A A*
As part of the organisation of GCSE Mathematics and to maximise potential, some pupils may be assigned to Foundation Tier class. This will be based on data review, will be in the pupil’s best interest and the decision will be at the discretion of the Mathematics Department.
Summary of Assessment Information:
| TIER | MODULE | YEAR OF ENTRY | GRADES ACCESSED | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHER | M3 and M7 | Year 12 (June 2025) Year 12 (June 2025) | E D C C* B E D C C* B | 2 hr calculator paper (45% of overall award) 1hr 15 min calculator paper & 1 hr 15 min non- calculator paper (55% of overall award) |
| HIGHER | M4 and M7 | Year 12 (June 2025) Year 12 (June 2025) | D C C* B A D C C* B A | 2 hr calculator paper (45% of overall award) 1hr 15 min calculator paper & 1 hr 15 min non- calculator paper (55% of overall award) |
| HIGHER | M4 and M8 | Year 12 (November 2024) Year 12 (June 2025) | C C* B A A* C C* B A A* | 2 hr calculator paper (45% of overall award) 1hr 15 min calculator paper & 1 hr 15 min non- calculator paper (55% of overall award) |
| FOUNDATION | M2 and M6 | Year 12 (June 2025) Year 12 (June 2025) | F E D C C* F E D C C* | 1 hr 45 min calculator paper (45% of overall award) 1hr 10 min calculator paper & 1 hr 10 min non- calculator paper (55% of overall award) |
Important Notes:
- At the end of Key Stage 3 Year 10 pupils will be banded for GCSE groupings based on their overall performance in the end of Year 10 examination. The group will then determine the level of GCSE entry and which combination of modules (M2 & M6 or M3 & M7 or M4 & M7 or M4 & M8) the pupil will undertake. As this ultimately affects the achievable grade at GCSE, it is very important that pupils in Year 10 make adequate preparation for this transition exam in the summer term of Year 10.
- There is no coursework component (controlled assessment) in this subject at GCSE Level. All assessment is through two written examination papers.
- It is current practice in Loreto, for some GCSE Mathematics groups to be considered for a module of their GCSE qualification in November of Year 12. This result would contribute to their overall GCSE Mathematics award at the end of Year 12.
- Only pupils who have completed and achieved highly in Modules M4 and M8 by the end of Year 12 will be considered for AS/A2 Level Mathematics at Post 16.
GCSE Mathematics students who achieved full marks in Summer 2024
GCSE Further Mathematics
GCSE Further Mathematics may be offered to a selected group of Year 11 students who exhibit considerable strength in the initial months of their GCSE Mathematics study. The Further Mathematics classes operate as ‘twilight’ classes, two evenings per week, after school. The taught programme begins midway through Year 11 and continues throughout Year 12. This programme affords students the opportunity of accessing a 10th GCSE. Again, the programme delivered is the CEA Specification for GCSE Further Mathematics. Assessment is all at the end of Year 12 – 3 written components; Pure Maths (2 hrs), Mechanics (1 hr) and Statistics (1 hr).
GCSE Summer 2024: Kate who achieved 10A* including GCSE Further Mathematics
For more detailed information on the Specification, Content or Exam Papers click on the link below:
Further Mathematics introduces some of the more detailed topics encountered at AS/A2 Level, including Mechanics and Statistics. The study of GCSE Further Mathematics is a beneficial foundation for progression to AS/A2 Level, but is not a prerequisite to progression to the study of Mathematics at Post 16.
