KS4 Mathematics
GCSE Mathematics
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1)
The purposes of this qualification are to:
- provide evidence of students’ achievements against demanding and fulfilling content, to give students the confidence that the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding that they will have acquired during the course of their study are as good as that of the highest performing jurisdictions in the world
- provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment, to give students the appropriate mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to help them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education. This includes Level 3 mathematics courses as well as Level 3 and undergraduate courses in other disciplines such as biology, geography and psychology, where the understanding and application of mathematics is crucial
Qualification aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel 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.
The assessments will cover the following content headings:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Two tiers are available: Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier). Each student is permitted to take assessments in either the Foundation tier or Higher tier. The qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier. All three papers must be at the same tier of entry and must be completed in the same assessment series.
The table below illustrates the topic areas covered in this qualification and the topic area weightings for the assessment of the Foundation tier and the assessment of the Higher tier.
GCSE Statistics
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Statistics
Our most able students are able to choose this as a KS4 option subject.
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to develop statistical fluency and understanding through:
● the use of statistical techniques in a variety of authentic investigations, using real-world data in contexts such as, but not limited to, populations, climate, sales etc.
● identifying trends through carrying out appropriate calculations and data visualisation techniques
● the application of statistical techniques across the curriculum, in subjects such as the sciences, social sciences, computing, geography, business and economics, and outside the classroom in the world in general
● critically evaluating data, calculations and evaluations that would be commonly encountered in their studies and in everyday life
● understanding how technology has enabled the collection, visualisation and analysis of large quantities of data to inform decision-making processes in public, commercial and academic sectors, including how technology can be used to generate diagrams and visualisations to represent data
● understand ways that data can be organised, processed and presented, including statistical measures to compare data, understanding the advantages of using technology to automate processing
● applying appropriate mathematical and statistical formulae, and building on prior knowledge.
Content and assessment overview
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Statistics consists of two
externally-examined papers.
Paper 1 - Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 80 marks
Content overview
1. The collection of data
2. Processing, representing and analysing data
3. Probability
Paper 2 - Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 80 marks
Content overview
1. The collection of data
2. Processing, representing and analysing data
3. Probability
Further Mathematics
AQA Level 2 Qualification in Further Mathematics
Our most able students are able to choose this as a KS4 option subject.
This qualification fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies at Level 3. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the GCSE Mathematics, rather than as a replacement. The content assumes prior knowledge of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study and covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth.
This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is an untiered Level 2 linear qualification for learners who:
• either already have, or are expected to achieve, grades 7, 8 and 9 in GCSE mathematics
• are likely to progress to A-Level study in Mathematics and, possibly, Further Mathematics.
Subject content
- Number
- Algebra
- Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)
- Calculus
- Matrix Transformations
- Geometry
Assessments
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is linear. Students take two question papers. Both question papers must be taken in the same series.
Paper 1: non- calculator
How it’s assessed
• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• Non-calculator
• 50% of the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics assessment
Questions
A mix of question styles, from short, singlemark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.
Paper 2: Calculator
How it’s assessed
• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• Calculator
• 50% of the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics assessment
Questions
A mix of question styles, from short, single mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.
