KS4
Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
GCSE Course Followed: Mathematics
- Specification: AQA (Syllabus 8300)
Content
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability and statistics
Examinations
All our students will be entered at the higher level. There are three examinations and these are all taken at the end of Year 11 with the exception of set 1 pupils who will take them in Year 10.
- Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) 1 hour 30 minutes, 33⅓% of the overall marks
- Paper 2 (Calculator) 1 hour 30 minutes, 33⅓% of the overall marks
- Paper 3 (Calculator) 1 hour 30 minutes, 33⅓% of the overall marks
- In each of these papers, content from any part of the specification may be assessed.
Year 1 GCSE
| Name of topic | Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HT1 |
Coordinates and linear graphs, sequences, percentages, rounding |
Calculating and using the equation of straight-line graphs, parallel and perpendicular lines. Linear, quadratic and geometric sequences, percentage revision, limits of accuracy. |
Termly assessment |
|
HT2 |
Representing data, 2D and 3D shapes, real life graphs |
Cumulative frequency diagrams, box plots and histograms. Properties of 2D shapes, area and perimeter, nets, plans and elevations. Interpreting real life graphs including speed-time and distance-time graphs |
|
|
HT3 |
Non-linear graphs, circles, ratio and proportion, linear equations, |
Calculating and interpreting the gradient of a curved graph, calculating and interpreting the area under a curved graph. Volume and surface area of prisms and cylinders, arc length and sector area. Ratio and proportion, solving linear equations. |
Termly assessment |
|
HT4 |
Introduction to quadratic expressions, basic probability, standard form, transformations and constructions |
Changing the subject, expanding and factorising quadratic expressions, substitution. Calculating probabilities, relative frequency, sample space diagrams, combinations of events and standard form. Reflection, rotation, translation, enlargement of 2D shapes, constructions and loci. |
|
|
HT5 |
Financial Maths, measures, averages and polygons |
Using percentages to solve financial problems, converting between units of measure, units of area and volume. Calculating and using averages, properties of polygons. |
|
|
HT6 |
Congruence, similarity, Pythagoras, trigonometry and complex probability |
Similar and congruent triangles and ratio in area and volume. Right angled trigonometry, Pythagoras’ theorem, tree diagrams, venn diagrams, conditional probability |
Year 2 GCSE
| Name of topic | Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HT 1 |
3D shapes, non-linear graphs, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations and further quadratics | Surface area and volume of spheres, pyramids, cones and composite solids, sketching graphs of functions (quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, linear), solving quadratic equations by factorising and graphically, solving simultaneous equations algebraically and graphically. Expanding two or more brackets, factorising simple quadratic expressions, rearranging more complicated formulae and algebraic proof. | |
| HT 2 | Algebraic fractions, functions, further trigonometry, growth and decay and circle theorems | Simplifying algebraic fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing algebraic expressions. Function notation, composite and inverse functions. Apply Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry to 3D shapes, graphs of exponential functions, growth and decay problems and circle theorems. | |
| HT 3 | Further equations and graphs, proportion, inequalities and vectors | Solving quadratic equations by factorising, quadratic formula, completing the square. Completing the square to deduce turning points, solving quadratic simultaneous equations algebraically and graphically, direct and inverse proportion. Solving linear and quadratic inequalities, graphical inequalities and using vector notation | |
| HT 4 | Trig graphs, sine and cosine rules, transforming graphs | Trigonometric graphs, sine and cosine rule, area sine rule, transforming graphs (translation, reflection). | |
| HT 5 | Numerical methods, equation of a circle | Trial and improvement, iteration, using the equation of a circle | |
| HT 6 | N/A | GCSE Exams |
Assessment
Staff continually assess the progress of pupils through a variety of techniques including low stakes retrieval tests to enable both pupils and staff to identify current strengths and areas for improvement. Following each termly assessment pupils are required to reflect on their performance and identify the key topics which require further practice. They are then set individual tasks to complete independently to close these knowledge gaps.
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
Collins GCSE Grade 9-1 Revision - AQA GCSE 9-1 Maths Higher All-in-One Complete Revision and Practice HarperCollins Publishers · Paperback ·ISBN 978-0-00-811250-9
Several websites have practice questions and solutions. We recommend: mymaths.co.uk (pupils can ask their teacher for a login), corbettmaths.com, mathsgenie.co.uk and drfrostmaths.com.
There are links to videos and worksheets on the GCSE scheme of work to revise each topic.
Specimen and past papers are available on STU Maths.
Additional Mathematics Qualifications
During Year 11, Set 1 and 2 pupils will study one of two Additional Mathematics qualifications. These courses are excellent preparation for studying A Level especially for those pupils who want to study Further Mathematics at A Level. The content of these qualifications complements and extends the GCSE Mathematics course and covers topics such as calculus. Pupils who do not study either of the Additional Mathematics qualifications will still be able to take Maths at A Level.
Additional Maths (Free standing Maths Qualification) (Year 11 top set)
Specification: OCR Level 3 Free Standing Maths Qualification (Syllabus 6993)
Pupils will be provided with a textbook.
Examinations
There is one 2 hour (calculator) examination.