GCSE Maths - Core
Why do we teach this course?
Mathematics is a core subject at BMAT STEM Academy that all students are required to complete. In order to progress to KS5 and have access to certain subjects, students will need to achieve at least a grade 4 to demonstrate that they have the mathematical understanding required to be successful within their chosen subjects. If students do not achieve a grade 4, then they will be supported with scheduled Maths sessions and then resit their exams until they achieve a grade 4 or above.
The purpose of the course is to ensure all students have an understanding of basic mathematical skills which they will benefit from in their day-to-day lives and careers. Mathematics develops students’ problem solving skills, enabling them to assess situations and strategically plan how to address the problem. For students who would like to pursue careers or further education in maths-related subjects, the higher tier content provides additional skills which can be used in more complex situations.
Students wishing to study Maths, or related subjects, beyond Year 11, will benefit from completing the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics, which we offer in addition to the standard GCSE. The focus of this supplementary course is to ensure students have a strong understanding of the more complex concepts covered in the standard GCSE, enabling a smoother transition from GCSE to A Level Maths.
Why I should study Mathematics
The course will provide you with the essential maths skills that will support you in everyday life, as well as in careers across a range of industries. Included within the course are skills such as calculations involving money and compound interest which are crucial life skills, directly improving your ability to manage personal finances.
Careers in science, engineering, computing or finance all require mathematical proficiency which is provided by this course. Therefore, by having a strong understanding of the key concepts covered in this course, you are enabling yourself to progress into a wide variety of employment opportunities.
What does the course involve?
We use the Edexcel Exam Board, for which students complete either the Foundation Tier or Higher Tier.
The course is assessed by completing three exam papers, this is the same for both tiers.
Paper 1: Non-calculator (80 marks)
Paper 2: Calculator (80 marks)
Paper 3: Calculator (80 marks)
The marks from the three exams are added together to give a final mark out of 240.
On the Foundation Tier, the pass mark (Grade 4) is typically between 135 and 145.
On the Higher Tier, the pass mark is typically between 40 and 48.
Future Prospects
Many industries consider Maths a highly desirable qualification. A pass is the minimum expectation for Level 3 education and for apprenticeships.
If you do not pass Maths in Year 11, you will be required to retake this by your Sixth Form or College until you achieve a grade 4 or above.
Next Steps
A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics are directly connected to the GCSE, as well as Engineering, Computer Science, Business Studies, Physics, Chemistry and Biology which all use maths skills within them.
BMAT STEM Academy offers A-Level/BTEC courses for each of these subjects.