GCSE
Following recent changes to the GCSE Students will be assessed through 3 examination papers. There will be two calculator examinations and one non-calculator. Each paper is 1hour 30minutes. There are still two tiers of entry but the grades are now numerical: Foundation (Grade 1-5) and Higher (Grades 4-9). All students will sit the OCR GCSE maths paper. As Maths is a core subject it is still the expectation that all students will complete the programme in year 11.
A-Level
Students who have successfully completed the Higher Level GCSE and obtained or a Grade 7 and higher are in a strong position to begin the A-Level course. It is important that all students wishing to study an A-Level in Mathematics have a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and are willing to work hard.
Students complete 6 modules across two years and each equally weighted. These include Pure 1 and Pure 2, which are mainly algebra based, and an applied module involving Mechanics and Statistics in Year 12. They then complete a further 3 modules in Year 13, including Pure 3 and Pure 4 which build on previous knowledge and an applied module building on their prior knowledge of Mechanics and Statistics. Students will sit three exams covering all of the six modules studied over the course of Year 12 and Year 13 at the end of Year 13 and, if successful, will then have achieved an A-Level in Mathematics.
The whole course is designed to make the subject interesting and relevant. Good use will be made of graphical calculators, computers and practical work where appropriate. The course is supported by a series of student tests which contain activities which can be studied independently by the student as well as with the help of a teacher. An A-Level in Mathematics is a valuable qualification and is always highly regarded. The subject offers a very appropriate background for many future careers and studies.