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
Number Calculation Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Measures and accuracy	28%	18%
Algebra Notation, vocabulary and manipulation Graphs Solving equations and inequalities Sequences	23%	33%
Ratio, proportion and rates of change	28%	23%
Geometry and measures Properties and constructions Mensuration and calculation Vectors	18%	23%
Probability and Statistics Presenting and 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.  

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 apprenticeships and post-16 Level 3 qualifications, such as A-level Maths, Science, Geography, Psychology, Economics and many other qualifications that require mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding.