Subject Overview

Our students at Castle Manor Academy will follow the Edexcel GCSE Maths A specification. This will develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including working with numbers, algebra, geometry, measures, statistics, and probability.

Course Information

Strand	Weighting for Foundation	Weighting for Higher
1. Number – Calculation – Fractions, Decimals and Percentages – Measures and Accuracy	28%	18%
2. Algebra – Notation, Vocabulary and Manipulation – Graphs – Solving Equations and Inequalities – Sequences	23%	33%
3. Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change	28%	23%
4. Geometry and Measures – Properties and Construction – Mensuration and Calculation – Vectors	18%	23%
5. Probability and Statistics – Presenting Data – Processing Data	18%	18%

The course is split into two tiers: Foundation and Higher, and the content is varied for each tier. Students must sit the same tier for each assessment paper. The higher tier has been designed for students aiming to go on the study A-level maths.

Grade availability: Foundation Tier – 1 to 5                          Higher Tier – 4 to 9.

Assessment

There are three, equally weighted, linear assessments at the end of Year 11. Each paper will cover all assessment objectives and have a range of question types. Paper 1 is non-calculator, and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3. Each paper is worth 80 marks and will last 1 hour 30 minutes.

Progression

This course is useful for students who are considering apprenticeship and post-16 level 3 qualifications, such as A-level Maths, Sciences, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Statistics, and many other qualifications that require mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding. It is important to note, if a student does not achieve a Grade 4 at the end of Year 11, they must continue their studies in maths until they achieve a Grade 4 or reach the age of 18.