KS4 | Mathematics
At Edmonton County School Key Stage 4 Mathematics is taught over three years. There is a gradual build-up of content in the first two years which rely significantly on prior knowledge from key stage 3. There is a strong focus on developing exam techniques and revision skills to support students in becoming exam ready. Students continue to be grouped in accordance with current progress and attainment throughout key stage 4– appropriate movement between groups continues until Year 11 to ensure all students reach their true potential.
Students are given opportunities to develop skills in logical thinking and problem solving. They will study many of the concepts already learnt in KS3 in more detail as well as many new areas of mathematics. Teachers will continue to encourage you to apply structure and methodical workings out to written calculations. The mathematics curriculum is broken into the following topics:
Number including basic manipulation (multiplication, addition, subtraction, division), decimals, fractions, percentages, indices
Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change including scale factors, scale diagrams, ratio notation, direct and indirect proportion
Algebra including solving equations, graphs, sequences, functions, simultaneous equations
Shape and Space including 3D shapes, transformation, angle facts, circle theorems, trigonometry
Data Handling including statistical averages, graphical representation, hypothesis testing and surveys
Questions will also require you to be able to communicate the mathematics you have applied. This may involve, for example, giving a reason for an answer, correctly setting out a proof or accurately marking up a statistical diagram.
Unit titles and assessment method
Students are formally assessed approximately every half term as well as an End of Year Exam. Informal assessments are continuously carried out by class teachers by means of questioning, classwork, low stakes testing and 2 weekly homework tasks (one from the main lesson and one reflective task from independent workbooks).
The Final GCSE grade is based on three exams, sat in May of year 11. These are all equally weighted. There are some key formulae that students are expected to memorise that teachers will help students to learn.
Exam board – Edexcel, Specification code 1MA1
Useful Websites:
- mathsgenie (Printable GCSE Past Papers & solutions)
- onmaths.com (Online GCSE Past Papers)
- BBC Bitesize
- mathsapp
- Edexcel
Higher Education Courses and Career Pathways
GCSE Mathematics (a Level 2 qualification) may be required in a number of training programs, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level. It is also a legal requirement to re-take GCSE Maths in 6th form if a Grade 4 is not achieved at the end of Year 11.
If a student wish to progress to a Level 3 course in Mathematics at Edmonton County School, then they are required to meet the below entry requirements- see the key stage 5 page for more information.
- Level 3 Mathematical Studies: Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics
- AS/A Level Maths: Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and have passed the Algebra test taken at the end of April if year 11
- Further Maths A Level: Grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics (note that students must also take A Level Maths if this course is chosen)
Career Options related to Maths- | Jobs where a degree in Maths would be useful include: |
