Mathematics GCSE

Advanced Maths

Do you enjoy solving problems and puzzles? Are you confident with Algebra? Do you prefer subjects that don’t need lots of writing? Are you in set Newton and expected to achieve a good grade 8 or 9 in Maths? Then Advanced Maths might be for you.

This course follows components of an A level course. The aim of the course is to prepare students for the jump to A level. Most students who take this course move on to study double Maths A level in 6th Form. Whilst we study the AS Maths syllabus, changes in A levels means that taking the AS exams themselves now has little value. Students will therefore be entered for OCR Additional Maths, FSMQ and AQA level 2 Further Mathematics. The programme is largely built on two areas:

Core Maths largely builds on GCSE Maths and covers a lot of the GCSE 8 and 9 material but in more detail. It is therefore a good way of consolidating GCSE Maths and potentially achieving a higher GCSE grade. The module is predominantly Algebra and Co-ordinate Geometry (graphs). Additional topics include sequences and series, differentiation and integration.

Mechanics - Mechanics is about the mathematics of the physical world. It is very useful to students studying Physics or those who want to go on to be engineers or architects. You will learn about Elementary Modelling, Vectors, Newton’s laws of Motion, Friction, Momentum and Collisions.

In addition, we will explore other areas of Maths covered as part of a full A-level such as Decision Maths and Statistics. To consider this course you should enjoy Maths – particularly since you will be doing 13 lessons of Maths a fortnight including your GCSE Maths! You will be expected to do some independent working.

The aim of the course is to give you a feel for what ‘real’ maths is about.

e= mc²

Exam Board: OCR and AQA

How the course is assessed

Additional Maths: Written Paper (2 hours). Further Maths: Two Written Papers (Non Calculator 1½ hours, Calculator 2 hours).

Suitable Candidates

This course is only open to students with a predicted high grade 8 or 9 in GCSE Maths. You will already be in the top set for Maths and be in your ‘comfort zone’. If you are considering this option you must book an appointment with Mrs Cumming at Parents’ Evening or at an alternative time.

Post 16 Progression Routes

Most students who have completed Advanced Maths choose to move onto a double Maths (Maths and Further Maths) course at 6th Form. Double Maths is a pre-requisite for a number of degrees at top universities. A variety of other options are available, depending on the college.

Student Comments

“The course has inspired me and made me excited about maths” “Studying Advanced Maths made me more mature and taught me how to study….and it’s nice working in a small group” “I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to do Maths at A-level. Now I can’t imagine life without Maths!”  Business GCSE This is a very popular, active and enjoyable course aimed at students who are interested in the business world, possibly with ambitions of owning or managing a company in the future. The course is designed to prepare students for the world of work, OPTIONAL SUBJECTS  Exam Board: AQA How the course is assessed Assessment is at the end of Year 11, through two written exams. Each is whether as an individual or part of an organisation. 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth 90 marks, 50% of the GCSE. Through our exciting approach to teaching and learning, guest speakers and educational trips students will build their knowledge There are multiple choice questions, and understanding of the business world. short answer questions as well as detailed case study essay style questions. Students will be learning about: • Business in the real world Suitable Candidates • Influences on business, including the impact of technology, environmental and ethical considerations, globalization and This course suits students with a keen interest in business who are legislation motivated to work independently to • Business operations and the supply chain achieve their goals. • The selection, recruitment and motivation of employees • Are you hard working? • How businesses identify and understand customer needs in • Great at communicating when order to develop, market and distribute their products writing and speaking? • Do you enjoy analysing and • How businesses organise their finances, including how to evaluating business data? analyse the financial performance of a business. • Can you apply your skills to solving real business problems? Students have the opportunity to take part in a number of Post 16 Progression Routes nationwide competitions including the Student Investor Challenge and the Tenner Challenge. A Level Business or Economics and BTEC Level 3 Business Studies (not a pre-requisite). Throughout the course students are required to: • apply business concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts Student Comments • develop problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to business “Lessons are great, we do a variety of activities to help support our learning. • Investigate, analyse and evaluate business opportunities and Really glad I opted for this GCSE. • issues and make justified recommendations. Feel I can run my own business one day whatever the type of business it is!” “I hope to study Economics at college. Lessons make you think about the future but from a different point than you would think.”