Key Stage 4
The department has introduced the new GCSE Mathematics specification at the Ravensbourne School. This new specification allows, for the first time, students studying the Foundation syllabus the opportunity to obtain a C Grade. The course offered is a traditional linear Edexcel examination board syllabus GCSE in Mathematics, comprising of two terminal examination papers and two coursework tasks. Students may be entered for the Higher or Foundation Tier.
Assessment Objectives
The Higher and Foundation specifications require candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding and skills in the following.
Assessment Objective | Title |
AO1 | Using and Applying Mathematics (Problem solving, communicating and reasoning) |
AO2 | Number and Algebra (Number and the number system, calculations, solving numerical problems, equations, formulae and identities, sequences, functions and graphs.) |
AO3 | Shape, Space and Measures (Geometrical reasoning, transformations and coordinates, measures and construction.) |
AO4 | Handling Data (Specifying the problem and planning, collecting data, processing and representing data, interpreting and discussing results.) |
Summary of Scheme of Assessment
| Parallel examination papers A01 – A04 | Internal Assessment | |
Weighting | 40% | 40% | 20% |
Foundation Tier (G to C) | Paper 1 Non-calculator 1 hour 30 mins | Paper 2 Calculator 1 hour 30 mins | Teacher marked coursework:
10% |
Higher Tier (D to A*) | Paper 3 Non-calculator 1 hour 45 mins | Paper 4 Calculator 1 hour 45 mins | Teacher marked coursework:
10% |
Examination papers in the Higher and Foundation Tiers will offer assessment across the grades available in the tier. However, about half the marks will be allocated to the lower two grades.
Setting Policy
Students are set in Years 10 and 11 according to ability. The choice of Higher or Foundation Tier Specification is dependent upon students’ ability.
Useful Resources
Textbooks: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Higher and Foundation Tier
Exam Board: For additional resources on EDEXCEL specifications, including sample assessment materials, student guides and coursework guides please visit their website at www.edexcel.org.uk
GCSE Revision sites: www.bbc.bitesize
This has all the information pupils need, in 'bitesize' chunks. Revision bites and Test Bites have been designed to help pupils check what they know already.
www.s-cool.co.uk
This site has revision tips for A, AS levels and GCSEs. The maths section covers percentages, algebra, trigonometry and more.
www.learn.co.uk
With SATs and GCSEs looming, the place to head for revision.
Online homework sheets to check your progress in Maths