Mathematics
GCSE
Examining Board
AQA
Course Introduction
We believe that maths is about discovering patterns; solving problems, explaining why things are the way they are, identifying exceptions, supporting opinion with fact, developing resilience, asking questions and finding answers and working together. These are key skills in the development of any young person and whilst we will work tirelessly to ensure the young person secures the best possible maths grade, we also want them to leave with an embedded “Love of Maths” to pass on.
As a department, we strive to maximise the mathematical potential of every student. The delivery of consistently high quality lessons that will enable students to appreciate and enjoy mathematics is a crucial part of achieving this. Students are encouraged to speak to staff when they require extra help at any time of the day.
Assessments
For any student starting Year 11 with Year 7-10 data that indicates they can achieve at least a Grade 5, we will enter them for the Higher Paper in maths.
For any student starting Year 11 with Year 7-10 data that indicates they can achieve at most a Grade 5, we will enter them for the Foundation Paper in maths.
The assessments consist of 3 x 90 minute papers.
Progression
Students who identify as wanting to do A Level Maths in Yr 10 will be encouraged to take the Further Maths GCSE as an additional qualification. This is delivered in after school sessions.
Students who achieve at least a Grade 7 will be encouraged to continue with A Level Maths.
Students who achieve at least a Grade 8 will be encouraged to continue with A Level and Further Maths.
Course Content
We offer a progressive 5 Year scheme of work, from Year 7 to Year 11.
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio & Proportion
- Geometry and Measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Contact Name
Mr R Machin – Head of Mathematics
Contact Email
r.machin@wymcol.org
A Level
Course Content
Paper 1
Assesses the following content: Proof, Including proof by deduction, proof by exhaustion. Algebra and functions: Including indices, surds, quadratic functions-solving and graphing. Co-ordinate geometry: Parallel and perpendicular lines, equations of circles and parametric equations. Sequences and series: Including binomial expansion, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; Trigonometry; Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration and Numerical methods.
Paper 2
May assess any content from Paper 1 plus additional Mechanics content: Vectors, Including in 2-D and 3-D, magnitude and direction, graphical and algebraic calculations. Quantities and units in mechanics, Including understanding and use of quantities and units, velocity, acceleration force, weight, moment; Kinematics. Use the language of kinematics’, including; position; displacement and speed. Forces and Newton’s Law, including Newton’s first 3 laws and model friction and calculate the coefficient of friction; Moments, understand and use moments in simple static context.
Paper 3
May assess any content from Paper 1 plus additional Statistics content: Statistical sampling: Use different sampling techniques and understand the terms ‘population’ and ‘sample’; Data presentation and interpretation: Interpret diagrams for single and bi-variable data, calculate averages and measures of spread; Probability: calculate probabilities and use mutually exclusive and independent events; Statistical distributions: use simple, discrete probability distributions and normal distribution: Statistical hypothesis testing.
