GCSE Mathematics
Course Objectives
GCSE Mathematics encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. This qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.
Mathematics in key stage 4 comprises the same areas as KS3 with the focus being on functional as well as exam-style mathematics.
Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including: Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability. Use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts. Apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations. GCSE Mathematics also gives students the opportunity to develop the ability to: Acquire and use problem-solving strategies. Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations. Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions. Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context. In addition to mathematics lessons, students in key stage 4 will have the opportunity discuss real world mathematics scenarios and come to understand that a large proportion of everyday life is underpinned by mathematics.
The GCSE Mathematics qualification requires students to:
- Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including: Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability.
- Use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts.
- Apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.
GCSE Mathematics also gives students the opportunity to develop the ability to:
- Acquire and use problem-solving strategies.
- Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations.
- Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions.
- Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
In addition to mathematics lessons, students in key stage 4 will have the opportunity discuss real world mathematics scenarios and come to understand that a large proportion of everyday life is underpinned by mathematics.
Unit Information
GCSE Mathematics is a core subject for all students at Key Stage 4.
The OCR GCSE Mathematics (J560) course that students will follow has 4.5 hours of final examinations at the end of Year 11, across three examinations. The first is a calculator examination, the second a non-calculator examination, with the third being a calculator examination. All examinations are 1 hour 30 minutes, and content can be examined on all papers.
Why Study
Mathematics is a core life skill that is essential to further study, careers and many everyday tasks. The skills you develop while studying GCSE mathematics will be essential to many other subjects; problem solving, analytical thinking and logic all play a big part in success at GCSE. All further steps beyond school require mathematics at GCSE and the skills developed while studying will be transferable to many subjects.
Careers Options
Computer Programming, Accountancy, Architecture, Teaching, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Banking and Finance, Engineering, Insurance.
Key contact
Mr R Myers