GCSE Maths
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
GCSE Mathematics is still one of the most recognisable and desirable
qualifications enabling access to higher education and for career progression. It
will also suit those learners who just want to refresh their skills in Mathematics.
COSTS: This course is free for anyone who presently has below GCSE Maths
grade C.
If you already have a grade C and wish to do the course to upgrade to an A or B
there will be a cost which is given in the Adult Course Guide.
You will be required to have a calculator and some mathematical instruments
which will normally cost less than£10. Text books are optional but suggested
books will be detailed in the first session with average costs of £5.
WHAT ARE THE KEY TOPICS IT WILL COVER?
It is a 30 week course of 2 hours per week, but learners must be prepared to
spend at least another 2 hours weekly on further study. The course is split into
four sections:

Number, which includes whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages,
graphs and an introduction to algebra.

Statistics and Probability, which includes collection, organisation and
presentation of data and the probability of events happening or not
happening.

Algebra, which includes graphs and an introduction to algebra, and the use of
algebra in equations and formulae.

Shape and Space, which includes perimeter, area and volume, angle
properties and properties of shapes.
WHO WILL THE COURSE SUIT?
This course is for learners who narrowly failed GCSE Mathematics at their last
attempt. (For automatic entry onto the course you should already have a grade D
GCSE or equivalent). If you do not have a grade D, you will need to be assessed
prior to the start of the course.
In exceptional circumstances students may be able to take the Higher Tier exam
(which potentially leads to Grades B or A) but this would be assessed within the
first couple of months on an individual basis and would require a high level of
independent learning.
To arrange a pre course assessment please phone Adult learner Services on
624455
IS THERE A QUALIFICATION AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
Yes. When both exam scores have been combined, the final qualification is a
GCSE in Mathematics awarded by Edexcel. We follow the foundation syllabus
which means the highest grade achievable is a C.
IF YES, HOW WILL IT BE ASSESSED?
There is a calculator paper and non-calculator paper which assess all of the topics
we study. Each paper is a 1 hour 45 minutes exam.
Please note that the two final exams take place during the day at
Priestley College in June