This is an intensive one year re-sit course aimed mainly at students who have previously taken a similar course in school and achieved a grade 2. The course has been specifically designed to be diagnostic so that we only teach the skills and topics that are missing and revise all others.
One year course
GCSE Maths grade 2/grade E or Functional Skills Level 1.
The AQA GCSE Maths examinations consist of three equally weighted exams; each 1.5hrs long and 80 marks allocated. Exams include a non-calculator and two calculator papers. All students will take the Foundation tier where the highest grade achievable is a 5. The GCSE course is linear in nature with all three exams at the end of the academic year and the papers cover the full range of topics.
This is an intensive one year re-sit course aimed mainly at students who have previously taken a similar course in school and achieved a grade 2. The course has been specifically designed to be diagnostic so that we only teach the skills and topics that are missing and revise all others. Teachers will tailor their teaching and where necessary, take it right back to basics to re-lay the foundation knowledge required to successfully progress from a GCSE grade 2 to a grade 3 within the year.
Following on from this year we expect that you will move onto the Fast Track GCSE course aimed at supporting your progress from a GCSE grade 3 to a grade 4 minimum.
In exceptional circumstances students who demonstrate commitment and motivation will be capable of achieving a grade 4 within a single year.
Throughout the course there will be a real focus on identifying the gaps in your skills and then filling them using various teaching strategies. Teaching will focus on consolidating the fundamentals of maths, such as place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio.
Students will be expected to come fully equipped to all lessons with a Maths set and scientific calculator (these can be purchased from the college, if required). We expect to have a supportive and collaborative team environment in the Maths classroom where students help one another, build their own confidence through discussions, explanations and demonstrations to become more able mathematicians.
The new GCSE has an increased focus on problem solving, reasoning, proportion and ratio. With this in mind students are likely to prepare using functional skills problems which are based on real life situations and will develop their thinking, logic and reasoning skills. Those who have already studied Maths functional skills qualifications will realise the benefits of that experience.
There are 4.5 hours (3×1.5hr) of lessons per week with the option of weekly drop-in workshops. Workshops are open to all students and allow individuals to work in a supported environment with a teacher on a more one-to-one basis.
To further support learning, the Maths department have set up an independent learning area where learners are encouraged to come during their free periods. This could be to complete homework, work independently on filling their own gaps, completing practice papers or consolidating what they have already learnt. Resources will be made available throughout the year in this area and via the college Moodle.
For many progression routes, GCSE Maths (grade 4) is required . It is recommended that students research specific courses at their desired institutions/universities to ensure they hold the required entry qualifications.
