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 long. 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 have obtained a Grade 7 or 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.
All students will sit the OCR A-Level Maths exams at the end of a two-year programme of study. The A level mathematics qualification offers a three-paper model with defined content and calculator usage allowed in all three papers. The 3 papers are Pure Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics and Pure Mathematics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics is the study of the underlying elements of algebra and geometry. It replaces the previous modules of Core 1,2,3 and 4. Applied Mathematics comprises of Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics is the study and analysis of data and information. It builds on the data handling topics studied at GCSE and holds strong links with Psychology and Economics. Mechanics is the study of forces, energy and motion. It is useful to study alongside A-Level Physics and provides a good foundation for studying engineering subjects at university level.
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.