Mathematics

Mathematics needed for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE Mathematics is a core subject studied by all students and it will extend to aspects of mathematics needed for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study. There are 3 tiers of entry for this qualification.

Higher Tier: Grades A* – C
Intermediate Tier: Grades B – E
Foundation Tier: Grades D – G

Learners entered for this qualification must sit both units at either foundation, intermediate or higher tier, in the same examination series.

Unit 1

Non Calculator – 50%

Higher – 1 Hour 45 Minutes (80 marks)
Intermediate – 1 Hour 45 Minutes (80 marks)
Foundation – 1 hour 30 Minutes (65 marks)

The written paper for each tier will comprise a number of short and longer, both structured and unstructured questions which may be set on any part of the subject content of the specification. Candidates entered for GCSE Mathematics will be expected to be familiar with the knowledge, skills and understanding implicit in GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy. Questions may be set on topics that are explicitly listed in the content of GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy. Some questions will use multiple-choice assessment. A calculator will not be allowed in this paper.

Unit 2

Calculator Allowed 50%

Higher – 1 Hour 45 Minutes (80 marks)
Intermediate – 1 Hour 45 Minutes (80 marks)
Foundation – 1 hour 30 Minutes (65 marks)

Enrichment Opportunities

Links are established through Careers Wales. Companies such as Wynne Construction have visited school to share how Maths is used within the construction industry.

Homework

Homework can take a variety of forms including written tasks, revision exercises, online tasks and preparation for coursework or practical examinations. The aim of homework is to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom and instil independent learning, a crucial lifelong skill. Staff aim to give ample time to complete homework tasks so learners should plan their own time carefully in order to meet deadlines. The frequency of homework can vary depending on the number of lessons offered over a fortnight.

The majority of subject areas make use of Google Classroom to communicate any homework requirements to the learners. I would encourage learners and parents/carers to check Google Classrooms regularly.

Parents/Carers should endeavour to provide a quiet space for their children to complete homework tasks. Where this is not possible, the school does provide such places for learners to access in their lunchtime or afterschool hours. Please encourage learners to discuss this with their tutors or progress leaders in the first instance.

We set homework through the website “MathsWatch” and signpost this homework through our Google Classrooms. All pupils have a login to this site following the format below:

Website: https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/

Username: firstname.surname@grango

Password: firstname.surname@grango

Any homework tasks will appear on MathsWatch with details of the task and when it is due in. All homework tasks have a short video with each question that will help pupils to answer correctly if they are unsure of what to do. MathsWatch also allows pupils to ask their teacher for help and for their teacher to respond.

Feedback

All teachers will provide verbal feedback during lessons. Verbal feedback is given through questioning methods and one-to-one conversations, as appropriate.

Students will receive detailed feedback once a half term. All detailed feedback will lead to students engaging in DIRT to improve their work or go over misconceptions.

Assessment

Assessment is an important aspect of a learner’s learning journey. Apart from indicating the current performance of an individual, assessments also inform learners and staff which areas they need to develop. At Ysgol y Grango, staff continuously assess a learner’s progress through a variety of methods. This could include informal assessment, such as quizzes or observations, or formal assessments, such as written tests or coursework.

Ysgol y Grango use an online system called Go4Schools to track and monitor individual learners. Learners and parents/carers can also access information such as reports and subject progress through their own Go4schools login.

Throughout Key stage 4, learners will sit various external assessments. The timing of these assessments varies depending on the subject. Some of these assessment timings are controlled by the school but many are put in place by the examination board. As such it is important that learners are present for these assessments as missing elements of a course can significantly affect the overall grade for a learner.

Assessment will take place on a regular basis using the exam-board marking criterion as a guide for members of staff.