MATHEMATICS (PEARSON)

GCSE Course Outline

Why study mathematics?

GCSE Maths

Mathematics is a universal part of human culture. It is the tool and language of commerce, engineering and other sciences - physics, computing, biology etc. It helps us recognise patterns and to understand the world around us. Mathematics plays a vital, often unseen, role in many aspects of modern life, for example:

Smart phones and devices
Safeguarding personal details on the internet
Modelling the spread of epidemics
Predicting stock market prices
Business decision making

What does this course aim to do?

This qualification in Mathematics will encourage you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in your own life and to society. This qualification prepares you to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.

What topics will I study?

You will develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics, and Probability.

You will gain the knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts, and apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.

What skills will I develop?

This course will give you the opportunity to develop the ability to:

Acquire and use problem-solving strategies
Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations
Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions
Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context

Mathematics (PEARSON) GCSE Specification

How is it assessed?

The GCSE has 2 tiers of entry

Foundation for grades up to 5
Higher for grades 4 to 9

Foundation and Higher GCSE Tiers

Structure of the Course
The course will be taught for 4 lessons per week. Homework is set at the end of each session and deadlines for admission must be adhered to.

In the assessments there is greater emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning, with more marks now being allocated to these higher-order skills.

Core Textbook

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics: Higher Student Book

Calculator Requirement
The preferred calculators are: Casio FX-991EX / FX-991CW Scientific Calculator

Further Reading
Alex's Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos