Key Stage 4 Guide

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Mathematics IGCSE Edexcel (4MA1) Compulsory Using techniques and principles learned from Key Stage 3 as a baseline, IGCSE mathematics further develops students’ appreciation of mathematical concepts by exploring them to a far greater degree of detail. New concepts are introduced such as quadratic equations, advanced trigonometry, the surface area and volume of 3D solids as well as a range of statistical techniques including the use of histograms. In mathematics students have the opportunity to learn at a pace that suits them in a supportive environment that allows good and steady progress to be made. All students follow the same syllabus and use the same textbook. There is much opportunity for enrichment and extension activities and students can expect to be stretched and challenged. The Foundation Tier exists for students that require more time to be spent on the basic principles to ensure the best possible chance of achieving a respectable pass. It is while learning mathematics at IGCSE level that students will contemplate whether they wish to carry the subject forward into Advanced level or indeed whether it will play a role in any future career. For this reason it is the aim of all teachers to ensure students have the opportunity to see how mathematics relates to the real world as well as to appreciate why it is a subject in which the pursuit of greater knowledge is a merit in itself. Some students with a particularly natural flair for mathematics will be given the opportunity to study aspects of Advanced level mathematics in an IGCSE course entitled Further Pure Mathematics. This will be studied alongside IGCSE mathematics and is designed for students that are able to learn complicated techniques at an accelerated rate. This should give an advantage in terms of higher level study beyond Key Stage 4. How will students be assessed? Mathematics (IGCSE - 4MA1) 50% Paper 1H 50% Paper 2H 50% Paper 1F 50% Paper 2F

IGCSE - Higher IGCSE – Foundation

Both papers in each specification have a mixture of content and question types.

Grades available: Foundation Higher

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4 4

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9

All students will use the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE 9-1 Mathematics A textbooks.

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