ALLERTON GRANGE SCHOOL
GCSE Mathematics
Revision Guide
for Parents
Table of Contents
GCSE Overview
Types of Questions
In School
Websites
Revision Guides
Equipment
GCSE Overview
Edexcel Linear
Specification A
Paper 1
Non Calculator
Monday 9th June 2014 am
Paper 2
Calculator
Friday 13th June 2014 am
Linear papers cover the whole of the mathematics Curriculum.
There are 2 levels of paper
Foundation
GFEDC
Higher
D C B A A*
Both papers are marked out of 100
In November 2013 the grade boundaries (out of 200) were:
Foundation
G 47
F 73
E 99
D 125 C 151
Higher
E 15
D 31
C 63
B 101 A 139 A* 169
Grade boundaries can change so we want to make sure that in the run up to the exam our students are performing
comfortably in their target grade. For example a student aiming for a C on a Foundation paper should aim to be
getting about 70 to 78% in the run up to the exam.
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Types of Questions
A01
A02
A03
A01
These are basic straightforward maths questions.
These test the student’s maths knowledge of each topic.
A02
For these questions students need to select which maths to use to solve a real life problem
A02
The students need to decide how to answer these questions and explain why.
It is the A02 and A03 type questions that students are finding the most difficult and these are the areas in which
parents can help the most.
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A02 & A03 type Questions
Real Life Questions that have come up recently have included

Buying goods, calculating change

Finding the cost of 8 cakes if you know the cost of 5.

Filling the missing amounts in a bank statement or invoice

Changing money into different currencies

Reading an electricity meter and calculating the bill

Finding areas involving gardens, wallpaper, carpet, paint

Planning a visit to Grandma given a bus timetable and when to be back for.

Calculating best buys

Working out postage & packing charges for online goods
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Revision Opportunities
In School
Students have a lot of exam practice in lessons, this then enables us to see which topics the class needs to cover. It
also gives students an idea of what grade they are currently working at and what topics and type of question they
need to improve on.
As well as lessons there is an hours revision session every Thursday from 3 to 4 pm. Where students can revise
with a teacher on hand to give extra help when needed.
Homework is extremely important in the run up to the GCSE. This takes the form of a past paper to be
completed every week. Class teachers will then endeavor to mark the paper and return it to the students the
following lesson.
Mathswatch
After the last exam we analysed how our students revised and how they did. We found that one of the most
effective ways of revising was to use the Mathswatch website. We have subscribed to this and so it is free for our
students, all they need is their username and login. There are also worksheets that the students can print out using
their school printing budget.
Other Websites
MyMaths.co.uk all students have a login for this site where students can do lessons, activities, games and test
themselves. There are also handy booster packs that the students need to pick the right level for them. Particularly
useful for Foundation students are the D to C boosters.
BBC Bitesize
Mangahigh.com
Doddlelearn.co.uk
Revision Guides
If your child prefers to learn from a book Revision Guides are available from us or WHSmiths or Amazon. Make
sure you have the correct level and exam board (see the front of this guide)
Calculators
For the calculator paper students need a scientific calculator. Every brand of calculator works differently so it is
essential students are using a calculator they are familiar with in the exam. In school we use CASIO calculators and
would recommend them as they are very clear to use.
Equipment
Black pen (2 if possible in case one runs out of ink), sharpened pencil, ruler, compass, protractor, rubber and
scientific calculator.
Last of All
The students who perform best are those who enter the exam room confident, relaxed, healthy and rested.
Revising is important but looking after yourself is the best possible preparation.
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