MATHEMATICS GCSE
Subject changes from 2015
First Exam 2017
GCSE Maths exam update
• No exam board chosen yet
• 100% examination with 3 exams
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1 calculator paper and 2 non-calculator papers
• Total of 4.5 hours examination time
• Both tiers enable students to meet the entry
requirements to enter sixth form/colleges
• Students will sit higher if they are intending to study
mathematics A Level
GCSE Maths content update
• Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now
also be covered in the foundation papers.
• New higher content will cover more essential
skills required at A level.
• Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’
aspect of questions.
Some of the new topics in each tier
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FOUNDATION [Grade 1-5]
Compound interest and
reverse percentages
Direct and indirect
proportion (numeric and
algebraic)
Solve simultaneous
equations
Solve quadratic equations
by factorisation
Trigonometry
Lengths of arcs and areas of
sectors of circles
Vectors
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HIGHER [Grade 4-9]
Functions including inverse
and composite
Iteration
Introduction to calculus
Geometric sequences
Venn diagrams
Example of a foundation tier question on averages:
Old style of question:
New style of question:
Examples of the new ‘most challenging’ material:
Introduction to iteration – an A level maths topic [covered in C3]
More advanced algebraic manipulation – these skills are essential at A level
Greater links to coordinate geometry/graphs – these skills are again used at A level
Preparing for assessments and exams
• Make use of online resources: ‘mymaths’,
‘just maths’ & ‘mathswatchvle’.
• Regularly revise topics in small chunks to
aid retention of key facts & skills.
• Develop resilience by answering problem
solving based tasks.
mymaths.co.uk
Access new content here
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graph
online.justmaths.co.uk
MalmesburyStudent
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Access to new content
Video clips, worksheets
and solutions available
mathswatchvle.com
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Access to new
content
Maths changes summary
•
Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now also be
covered in the foundation papers
•
We anticipate more students will enter the foundation paper
due to its level of difficulty
•
Both tiers enable students to meet the entry requirements for
sixth form/colleges. Higher tier if considering A Level Maths
•
Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’ aspect of
questions – be resilient!
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It is important that students revise throughout the two years
and keep comprehensive notes and feedback from teachers
Online revision login details