GCSE MATHEMATICS - KS4

WHO’S WHO?

Progress Leader: Mrs Reid
Teaching Staff: Miss A Sharples, Mrs A Scarborough, Mrs E Merritt, Mr A Taylor, Mr D Hurst, Miss A Barton, Mrs M Tyler
Link Governor: Mr J Lyon

COURSE INFORMATION

Mathematics is a creative and interconnected discipline. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.
GCSE Mathematics builds on the KS3 curriculum furthering students’ ability to;

• Develop conceptual understanding using concrete, pictorial and abstract representations.
• Develop fluency, and the ability to recall and apply knowledge accurately.
• An ability to link different aspects of mathematics to other topic areas, and across the wider curriculum.
• An opportunity to reason mathematically, developing justifications and proof, and making generalisations.
• The ability to communicate their ideas effectively using appropriate vocabulary and mathematical symbols
• Develop the confidence to apply knowledge, skills and reasoning to standard and non-standard problems.

COURSE SPECIFICATION

Students follow Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics specification. Click here to view the specification.

COURSE CONTENT

The aims and objectives of Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics are to enable students to:

• develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
• acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
• reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
• comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Students will be assessed on: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measures and statistics.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

All students will sit 3 papers at either Higher or Foundation tier: Paper 1 – Non-Calculator / Paper 2 – Calculator / Paper 3 – Calculator.

The assessments will cover the following content headings:

To read the tables please rotate to landscape or view on a larger screen.

	Foundation proportion	Higher Proportion
1 Number	28%	18%
2 Algebra	23%	33%
3 Ratio, proportion and rates of change	28%	23%
4 Geometry and measures	18%	23%
5 Statistics & Probability	18%	18%

YEAR 10

Higher

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS/LEARNING
Autumn	Unit 1 – Number Unit 2 – Algebra Unit 3 – Statistics Unit 4 – Number	Spec Ref: N2, N3, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N14, N15 Calculations, checking and rounding Indices, roots, reciprocals and hierarchy of operations Factors, multiples, primes, standard form and surds Spec Ref: N1, N3, N8, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25 Algebra: the basics, setting up, rearranging and solving equations Sequences Spec Ref: G14, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 Averages and range Representing and interpreting data and scatter graphs Spec Ref: N1, N2, N3, N8, N10, N11, N12, N13, R3, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 Fractions and percentages 12 b Ratio and proportion
Spring	Unit 5 – Geometry Unit 6 – Graphs Unit 7 – Perimeter, are and volume Unit 8 – Transformations	Spec Ref: G1, G3, G4, G6, G11, N7, N8, N15, A4, A5, R12, G6, G20, G21 Polygons, angles and parallel lines 6 b Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry Spec Ref: N13, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A14, A15, A16, A17, A18, R1, R10, R11, R14 Graphs: the basics and real-life graphs Linear graphs and coordinate geometry Quadratic, cubic and other graphs Spec Ref: N8, N14, N15, N16, A5, R1, G1, G9, G12, G13, G14, G16, G17, G18 Perimeter, area and circles 3D forms and volume, cylinders, cones and spheres Accuracy and bounds Spec Ref: R2, G2, G3, R6, G5, G7, G8, G12, G13, G15, G24, G25 Transformations Constructions, loci and bearings
Summer	Unit 9 – Algebra Unit 10 – Probability Unit 11 – Multiplicative reasoning Unit 12 – Similarity and Congruence	Spec Ref: N1, N8, A4, A5, A9, A11, A18, A19, A21, A22 Solving quadratic and simultaneous equations Inequalities Spec Ref: N1, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9 Probability Spec Ref: N3, N12, N13, R1, R6, R8, R10, R11, R13, R14, R16 Multiplicative reasoning Spec Ref: R6, R12, G5, G6, G17, G19 Similarity and congruence in 2D and 3D

Foundation

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS/LEARNING
Autumn	Unit 1 – Number Unit 2 – Algebra Unit 3 – Statistics Unit 4 – Number Unit 5 – Algebra	Spec Ref: N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N7, N14, N15 Integers and place value, Decimals, Indices, powers and roots. Factors, multiples and primes. Spec Ref: N1, N3, A1, A2 A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A21 Algebra: the basics. Expressions and substitution into formula. Spec Ref: G2, G14, G15 S2, S4, S5, S6 Tables, charts and graphs, Pie charts, Scatter graphs Spec Ref: N1, N2, N3, N8, N10, N12, N13, R3, R9, S2 Fractions, decimals and percentages Spec Ref: N1, N15, N16, A2, A3, A5, A7, A17, A21, A22 Equations and inequalities. Sequences
Spring	Unit 6 – Geometry Unit 7 – Statistics Unit 8 – Geometry Unit 9 – Graphs Unit 10 – Transformations	Spec Ref: G1, G3, G4, G6, G11, G15, A8 Properties of shapes, parallel lines and angle facts Interior and exterior angles of polygons Spec Ref: S1, S2, S4 Statistics, sampling and the averages Spec Ref: N14, A5, R1, G11, G12, G14, G15, G16, G17 Perimeter, area and volume Spec Ref: N13, A7, A8, A9, A10, A12, A14, A17, R1, R11, R14, G11, G14) Real-life graphs, coordinates, Straight-line graphs Spec Ref: R6, R12, G1, G7, G24 Reflections, rotations, translations, enlargements
Summer	Unit 11 – Ratio and proportion Unit 12 – Trigonometry Unit 13 – Probability Unit 14 – Multiplicative reasoning	Spec Ref: N11, N13, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R10, R13, R14 Ratio and proportion Spec Ref: N7, N15, A4, A5, R12, G6, G20, G21 Pythagoras theorem and Trigonometry Spec Ref: N5, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8 Probability Spec Ref: N12, N13, A5, R1, R9, R10, R11, R13, R16, G14 Multiplicative reasoning: more percentages, rates of change, compound measures

YEAR 11

Higher

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS/LEARNING
Autumn	Unit 13 – Trigonometry 2 Unit 14 - Data Unit 15 - Algebra Unit 16 – Circle theorems Unit 17 - Algebra	Spec Ref: A8, A12, A13, G21 Spec Ref N16, A5, A8, G11, G20, G22, G23 Graphs of trigonometric functions. Further trigonometry. Spec Ref: S1 S3, S4, S5 Sampling, cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms Spec Ref: N8, A4, A11, A12, A18, A19, A20, A21, Quadratics, expanding more than two brackets, sketching graphs, graphs of circles, cubes and quadratics. Spec Ref: G9, G10, A16 Circle theorems. Circle geometry Spec Ref: N8, A4, A5, A6, A7, A18 Changing the subject of formulae (more complex), algebraic fractions, solving equations arising from algebraic fractions, rationalising surds, proof.
Spring	Unit 18 - Vectors Unit 19 - Reciprocal and exponential graphs. Direct and inverse proportion.	Spec Ref G25 Vectors and geometric proof. Spec Ref: R11, R14, R15, R16, A7, A12, A13, A14, A15 Reciprocal and exponential graphs; Gradient and area under graphs. Spec Ref: A21, R7, R10, R11, R14 Direct and inverse proportion.
Summer	Course complete	Revision using question level analysis from mock exams

Foundation

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS/LEARNING
Autumn	Unit 15 – Geometry Unit 16 - Algebra - Quadratic equations Unit 17 – Geometry/Circles Unit 18 - Number	Spec Ref: G1, G2, G9, G12, G13, G15, R2, G2, G5, G15 Plans and elevations. Constructions, loci and bearings. Spec Ref: A4, A11, A18, A11, A12, A14, A18 Expanding and factorising. Quadratic equations: graphs. Spec Ref: N8, N14, N15, A5, G9, G16, G17, G18 Perimeter, area and volume 2: circles, cylinders, cones and spheres. Spec Ref: N2, N3, N8, 18b, N7, N9 Fractions. Indices and standard form.
Spring	Unit 19 – Geometry Unit 20 - Algebra	Spec Ref: R6, R12, G5, G6, G7, G19, 19b, G24, G25 Similarity and congruence in 2D. Spec ref: N1, A3, A5, A6, A9, A10, A12, A14, A19, A21, A22, R10, R14 Rearranging equations, graphs of cubic and reciprocal functions and simultaneous equations.
Summer	Course Complete	Revision using question level analysis from mock exams

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

UKMT Senior challenge – Years 10/11
Runshaw Maths challenge – Year 11
St John Rigby Maths challenge – Year 10
College taster days – Year 11

A LEVEL/BTEC REQUIREMENTS

Most courses require a GCSE grade 4 or above in Mathematics. Students will be required to re-sit GCSE Maths if they fail to reach this standard.
Requirements to study A Level Mathematics can vary dependent on College. Most would require a GCSE Mathematics grade of 6 or higher.
Requirements to study A Level Sciences are generally dependent on achieving a Grade 5 or 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

There are lots of pressure on students during KS4, but below are some simple tips to help.
• Ensure they feel supported regardless of results
• Assist them in drawing up a realistic revision timetable or flashcards with key facts
• Encourage them to use apps and websites provided by school
• Complete past papers
• Maths Revision guides/flashcards

Below are links to blogs that have further suggestions for support you can offer;
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/blog/how-to-support-your-child-during-gcses-what-to-do-and-when/
https://www.schoolexams.co.uk/gcse-maths-how-to-help-your-child-ace-their-exam/

WHERE TO GO:

Manchester museum of science and industry
Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire the once top-secret home of the World War Two Code-breakers is now a vibrant heritage attraction, popular with schools for its specific focus on Mathematics, History and Computing.
Bank of England Museum, London offers a range of one hour talks for a multitude of ages, which are also free but must be booked in advance.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Woolsthorpe Manor – Isaac Newton changed the world here
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor#Overview

WHAT TO WATCH:

Corbett Maths videos - https://corbettmaths.com/contents/
BBC Maths podcasts - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/collections/mathematics/
Think like a mathematician -https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zfxhfg8/resources/1
Films to see:
Hidden Figures
A Beautiful Mind
The Imitation Game
Good Will Hunting
A Brilliant young Mind

WHAT TO READ:

The Monty Hall Problem: Beyond Closed Doors by Rob Deaves - Age 14+
The Language of Mathematics by Keith Devlin - Age 14+
How Not to Be Wrong: The Hidden Maths of Everyday Life – Jordan Ellenberg

ONLINE:

FUTURE CAREERS:

Mathematics can help students looking for a career in areas such as engineering, accountancy, medicine, science and research. Mathematics is also seen as being an important qualification by employers and further education providers.