Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
The Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics A is a linear qualification. It is:
1H/2H
• Externally assessed
• Availability: March, June and November
• First assessment: June 2012
100% of the total GCSE
Overview of content
1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Geometry
4. Measures
5. Statistics
6. Probability
Overview of assessment
• Two written papers: each contributes 50% of the final grade
• Tiered papers
Foundation Tier grades C-G available
Higher Tier grades A*-D available (E allowed)
• 1 hour 45 minutes (Foundation papers)
• 1 hour 45 minutes (Higher papers)
• 100 marks on each paper
• Paper 1F and 1H: Non-calculator
• Paper 2F and 2H: Calculator
• The functional elements of mathematics are assessed on each paper:
30-40% of the Foundation Tier papers
20-30% of the Higher Tier papers.
Key Stage 5
AS and A2 Level
The Department follows the specification of EDEXCEL at AS and A2 level. The AS consists of three modules C1, C2 and S1 which are all equally weighted. Students who pass the AS course will then be entered for A2. The A2 consists of three modules C3, C4 and D1 which are all equally weighted. EXEXCEL text books matched to the specification are used to deliver the course.
GCSE Retakes
Students wishing to retake their GCSE in Mathematics will be prepared and entered for the Linear Higher Tier (using the EDEXCEL Higher specification as above) if they have already obtained a Grade ‘E’ or above.
Students who attained below Grade ‘E’ will be prepared and entered for the Linear Foundation Tier (using the EDEXCEL Foundation specification as above).
Teaching and Learning
Teaching & learning is a regular agenda item on most departmental meetings. This allows regular opportunities for teachers within the mathematics department to share good practice with other members of the team and air their views on their lessons and current schemes of work.
Regular monitoring & evaluation exercises are carried out in accordance to the school monitoring & evaluation cycle. Furthermore, informal monitoring meetings will be held regularly with all faculty members, where items for discussion will include.:
§ Student planner check
§ Teacher planner check
§ Pupil work check (ex. book trawls)
§ Feedback from lesson plans
§ Homework setting
§ Teacher progress with schemes of work
Assessment
The department recognises the importance of regular assessment of students.
It enables us to:-
· Identify students’ strengths and weaknesses
· Plan subsequent lessons accordingly
· Inform the process of grouping students
· Inform students and parents regarding the progress students are making
As well as having a close look at the students’ prior achievement in KS2 NC tests, during the induction period of year 7, students are assessed using KS3 NC assessments (paper 1, paper 2). These tests are taken by the whole year group, and every effort is made to
ensure that they are taken at the same time.
After setting has taken place, the general rule is that students in KS3 are tested every term using teacher assessments and unit/ termly tests. Similarly, students in KS4 & KS5 will be regularly tested using past paper questions.
Results are reported to students via their maths teachers. Results should be given as a sub-level or grade.
Towards the end of the school year in accordance with the school assessment calendar, students are given an end of year assessment. This examination should encompass all the work done during the year. All end of year assessments for Mathematics are in the main hall (unless specified otherwise).
In years 7,8 and 9, these examinations are the QCA KS3 NC tests from the previous years. In years 10,11,12&13, they are Edexcel GCSE/GCE Mathematics past examination papers.
Homework
Homework is set on a weekly basis according to the homework timetable.