Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Exam: Exam – 100% - there is no longer a coursework element to the exam

Course Information
The course covers a wide range of basic mathematical knowledge and skills grouped into four areas:

• Number and algebra
• Shape, space and measure
• Data handling

The fourth area is using and applying the mathematics contained in these areas to a range of problems.

While studying mathematics you will be expected to:

• Use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems
• Use logic and reason to solve problems
• Break down problems into small steps in order to solve them
• Use the mathematics that you learn to solve problems that might happen in real life
• Learn how to use a calculator to solve problems quickly and effectively.

What about exams?
The course content is divided into three modules; the first in March of year 10, the second in November of Year 11. The final assessment is at the end of Year 11 and will include assessment of the whole two year course. Each examination is in two sections, one with, one without a calculator.

The questions on the exam papers will be arranged so that the easiest ones come first and then gradually get harder. With the anticipated introduction of a functional mathematics qualification, the exact assessment details are still to be confirmed.

There will be a mixture of short and longer questions.

You answer the questions on the exam paper itself and you will have to answer all the questions.

The first two modules may be retaken to improve grades but apart from exceptional circumstances, this will be at parents’/carers’ expenses.

Set 1 will also have the opportunity to be entered for GCSE Statistics at the end of Year 10. They will sit a mock exam in December of Year 10 after which final decisions on entries for the GCSE Statistics will be made. This will include a coursework project (25% of final mark).

Since September 2006, there have been two tiers of entry:

• Higher Tier where grades A* - D can be achieved
• Foundation Tier where grades C – G can be achieved

This new Tier system enables any candidate to be able to achieve a C Grade regardless of which Tier they are entered for, provided they have the ability to do so.

Edexcel Entry Level Certificates (formerly known as Certificates of Achievement) Key Features:

• Based on National Curriculum programmes of study
• A qualification below the Foundation Tier of GCSE
• Progression to GCSE or Vocational GCSE
• Recognition of small steps of achievement
• Certification available at three levels (Entry 1, 2 and 3)
• Based on practical activities
• 100% teacher assessed.

Who are they for?

• Students working below GCSE standard
• Students with particular learning difficulties

Textbooks used:
Edexcel – GCSE Mathematics – Foundation, Intermediate or Higher Course Textbooks

Edexcel – Entry Level Certificate Textbook.

CD Rom – Each student will be issued with a CD Rom of the entire contents of the text book for use at home. This will need to be returned at the end of Year 11 for future use. Any student without computer facilities at home may be issued with a book or use the school facilities at lunchtimes or after school.

Contact member of staff: Mrs B Reeder