HARLINGTON UPPER SCHOOL

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      Home Curriculum Mathematics
      Mathematics

      In years 9-11, students will follow a three year course which prepares them for their GCSE Maths exam. Over the course, students will study a variety of topics from the areas of ‘Number’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Geometry and Measures’, ‘Statistics and Probability’ and ‘Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change’.  As well as learning methods, there will be an increased focus on real life applications of the topics taught and problem solving.

      Under the new specification, students will be assessed over three exams (1 non-calculator and 2 calculator papers) which will take place in May/June of year 11.

      Year 9

      Topics that will be covered in year 9 include:

       

      Basic arithmetic

      Solving equations

      Angle properties

      Averages

      2D shapes

      Decimals

      Presenting data

      Indices

      Symmetry

      Sequences

      Perimeter and Area

      Collection and Organisation of data

      Approximation and estimation

      Pythagoras

      Year 10 and 11

      Course

      GCSE Mathematics

      Exam Board/Syllabus

      OCR, Syllabus J560

      Selected students also take Edexcel Algebra Award Level 3

      Grade Equivalences

      9 to 1

      2 Tiers of entry: Higher (Grade 9 to 4)

      Foundation (Grade 5 to 1)

      Hours Taught (per cycle)

      8 hours

       

      Assessment Route

      100 % Examination, 3 written papers of 1 hr 30 min each (2 calculator, 1 non-calculator).  No coursework.

      (Algebra Award, one 2 hr exam)

      As a core subject all students follow the Mathematics course through to the GCSE examination at Key Stage 4. There is no coursework element to GCSE Mathematics; assessment is entirely based on written papers. This consists of three papers, one non-calculator and two calculator papers. All topics can be assessed on any of the papers. The papers include a large proportion of problem-solving, investigation and everyday maths questions.

       

      The assessments will cover the following content headings:

      • Number
      • Algebra
      • Ratio, proportion and rates of change
      • Geometry and measures
      • Probability
      • Statistics

      There are two tiers of entry; Higher (Grades 9-4) and Foundation (Grades 5-1).  Decisions regarding entry will be based on assessments and the advice of the class teacher.  All students are expected to provide their own equipment: pen, pencil, ruler, calculator, pair of compasses and protractor.

       

      Teaching groups are set according to ability and prior attainment so that work can be carried out at a level most suited to the individual student.  Our aim is for the students to enjoy their studies and to work at an appropriate pace.

       

      As part of our Gifted and Talented provision, students in set 1 will be introduced to some topics beyond GCSE and will sit the Edexcel Algebra Award Level 3.  Assessment is a single 2 hour exam which takes place in the January of Year 11.

      Year 12 and 13

      Course

      GCE A Level Mathematics

      Exam Board/Syllabus

      Edexcel  (To be confirmed)

      Grades

      A*-E

      Course Entry Requirements

      In Addition To The School Sixth Form Entry Requirements

      GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics.

       

      Assessment Route

      3 Exam papers at the end of year 13 which are all equally weighted.

      2 Core papers of 120 minutes each

      1 Applied paper of statistics and mechanics lasting 120 minutes

      Mathematics at A-Level further deepens knowledge and skills taught at GCSE, and will enable you to think logically and creatively about a problem. There are often many approaches to the same problem. You will learn an abstract side of mathematics as a tool kit for mathematical modelling which has links to a very wide variety of (often surprising) subjects.

       

      Three main areas of Mathematics are studied at A level Mathematics: 

       

      Core (Pure) Mathematics: When studying Pure Mathematics you will be extending your knowledge of such topics as algebra and trigonometry and geometry as well as learning brand new topics including calculus (the mathematics of change).  If you enjoy the challenge of problem solving using such techniques and are highly motivated to do significant work outside of lessons then you should find the prospect of this course very appealing.  Many of the ideas serve as an important foundation, and essential toolkit, for other areas of Mathematics such as Statistics and Mechanics.

       

      Statistics: When you study Statistics you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions about it.  You will extend the range of probability problems that you started for GCSE by using the new mathematical techniques studied on the pure maths course.

       

      Mechanics: When you study mechanics you will learn how to describe mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them, from cars in the street to satellites revolving around a planet.  You will learn the technique of mathematical modelling; that is, of turning a complicated physical problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematical methods.

       

      An overarching theme to all of the strands is the ability to select and apply appropriate mathematical techniques to unfamiliar problems.

       

       

      Learning strategies:

      • Note taking
      • Collaborative discussion
      • Problem solving
      • Mnemonics
      • Linking of different aspects of mathematics
      • Independent practice outside of lesson time

      Course

      GCE AS & A Level Further Mathematics

      Exam Board/Syllabus

      Edexcel (To be confirmed)

      Grades

      A*-E

      Course Entry Requirements

      In Addition To The School Sixth Form Entry Requirements

      GCSE Grade 7 in Mathematics.

       

      Assessment Route

      A-Level

      4 exams at the end of year 13. All equally weighted and 90 minutes in length.

       

      AS Enrichment

      2 exams at the end of year 12. Both equally weighted and 90 minutes in length.

       

      Further Mathematics extends the work in normal mathematics, and covers a wider range of topics. You should consider studying Further Mathematics if you are passionate about the subject and want to explore the links between seemingly unrelated areas of mathematics.

      This course is for those students who really enjoy the challenge of mathematics and have the ability to work through difficult topics. Students need to be working with confidence in their core topics in conjunction with the further topics through higher-level problem solving.  You must be highly motivated and prepared for significant work outside of lessons. This is especially appealing for those students who are looking to study a maths related course at Russell Group universities including Mathematics, Physics and Engineering.

       

      The course is a 2 year linear course for A-Level or 1 year AS as an enrichment option.

       

      The A-Level course consists of two compulsory Further Pure modules and then two options.

      The AS course consists of one compulsory Further Pure module and one option.

      Options will be decided by individual class need.

       

      Further Pure Mathematics: 

      • When studying Further Pure you will be looking at various additional topics not covered in typical core lessons, such as complex numbers, polar coordinates, proofs, matrices, Maclaurin and Taylor Series, Hyperbolic Functions and differential equations. 

      Decision: 

      • When you study Decision Mathematics you develop your ability to solve problems logically and apply mathematical algorithms to problems. Decision mathematics studies a wide range of applications to which unusual, but methodical algorithms and logical thinking may be applied. There are strong links with computer science and operations research.

      Statistics

      • Further statistics develops understanding of hypothesis testing and linear regressions. These tools allow interpretation of significance in data and making predictions.

      Mechanics

      • Further mechanics continues work studied in A-level mathematics and complements physics by exploring topics such as collisions and momentum, centre of mass, work, energy and power and elasticity further. There is an emphasis on mathematical modelling.

       

      Learning strategies:

      • Note taking
      • Collaborative discussions
      • Problem solving
      • Mnemonics
      • Linking of different aspects of Maths.
      • Independent research and presentation
      • Independent practice outside of lesson time

      Course

      Core Mathematics

      Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in Context

      Exam Board/Syllabus

      Edexcel – 7MC0

      Grades

      A-E

      Course Entry Requirements

      In Addition To The School Sixth Form Entry Requirements

      6 GCSE’s at a grade C/4 including a grade 5 in Mathematics

      Assessment Route

       

      There are 2 papers at the end of year 12

      Comprehension (40%) lasting 100 minutes

      Applications (60%) lasting 100 minutes

       

      Both papers have pre-release case studies which will be worked on in lessons in preparation for the examinations.

       

      Core Mathematics is for students who wish to study a mathematics course with a focus on its applications in business, industry and the workplace. The overarching aim of the qualification is to be able to accurately interpret data and use mathematical modelling. There will be strong links with Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Computing, Geography, Physics and Psychology.

       

      Students will study the following areas:

      • applications of statistics
      • probability
      • linear programming
      • sequences and growth

       

      The Level 3 Certificate carries the same number of UCAS points as an AS Level and is a rapidly expanding qualification which is highly regarded by employers and universities for its applied approach. Core mathematics is ideal for students who wish to study mathematics applied to the real world.

      Learning strategies:

      • Note taking
      • Collaborative discussions
      • Problem solving
      • Mnemonics
      • Linking of different aspects of Maths.
      • Independent research and presentation
      • Independent practice outside of lesson time

       

      Core Mathematics is an enrichment option only