School > Faculties > Mathematics > Maths – Key Stage 4
Head of Key Stage 4 Mathematics: Asif Khan
Information about Key Stage 4 Mathematics:
At Edmonton County School, we offer Edexcel GCSE Mathematics A (IMAO) which is a linear qualification. It assessed through two equally–weighted papers taken at the end of the course. It’s available for entry at two tiers: Foundation and Higher. GCSE Higher Tier Targets students between Grades A* and D, whereas GCSE Foundation Tier targets those at Grades C to G.
Key Stage 4 Mathematics is taught over three years (Years 9-11). Students are grouped in accordance with current progress and attainment – appropriate movement between groups continues until Year 11 to ensure all students reach their true potential.
What students learn:
At ECS, KS4 Mathematics curriculum puts a great emphasis on problem-solving, functionality and mathematical thinking. We teach our students how to apply and use mathematics to solve problems. We also teach our students to be able to communicate the mathematics they have applied (a requirement called Quality of Written Communication QWC which is compulsory for all GCSE examinations). This may involve, for example, giving a reason for an answer, correctly setting out a proof accurately.
The content of our GCSE Mathematics Curriculum has been grouped into the following topic areas:
|
Number■ Four operations■ Decimals
■ Percentages ■ Fractions ■ Equivalent fractions ■ Accuracy ■ Use of calculators ■ Factors and multiples ■ Cubes, roots and squares ■ Index laws ■ Standard form ■ Surds ■ Inverse operations ■ Recurring decimals ■ Ratio ■ Using percentage and repeated percentage change ■ Compound interest ■ Reciprocals ■ Upper and lower bounds
|
Algebra■ Notation■ Graphs
■ Graphs of functions ■ Expressions ■ Factorising ■ Formulae ■ Rational expressions ■ Sequences ■ Coordinates in 2-D, 3-D ■ Straight line graphs ■ Gradients of lines ■ Graphs of loci ■ Real life graphs ■ Equations ■ Quadratic equations ■ Changing the subject of the formula ■ Inequalities ■ Trial and improvement ■ Simultaneous equations ■ Graphs of functions ■ Graphs of loci ■ Quadratic graphs ■ Direct and indirect proportion ■ Transformation of functions
|
Geometry and Measures■ Angles at a point■ Scales and units
■ Angles and triangles ■ Quadrilaterals ■ Symmetry ■ Polygons ■ Parts of a circle ■ Perimeter and area ■ Circle theorems ■ 3-D shapes ■ Volume ■ Scales and measures ■ Compound measures ■ Congruence ■ Pythagoras’ Theorem ■ Trigonometry ■ Circle theorems ■ Transformations ■ Constructions ■ Loci ■ Mensuration ■ Vectors ■ Bearings ■ Scale drawings
|
Statistics and Probability ■ Handling data cycle■ Data collection
■ Data representation ■ Analysing data ■ Interpreting data ■ Sampling ■ Box plots, histograms and cumulative frequency ■ Addition and multiplication of probabilities Probability ■ Probability measures ■ Relative probability ■ Mutually exclusive outcomes ■ Mutually exclusive and independent events ■ Tree diagrams
|
| Topics in bold italics are Higher tier only. | |||
Assessment:
At the end of every half term, our KS4 students take a maths test. The feedback on student progress is given in terms of GCSE grades and also comments on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the year, these grades are constantly compared with the pupil’s own personal targets. Additionally, informal assessments are continuously carried out by class teachers by means of questioning, classwork as well as weekly homework.
At the end of the course, students sits in final exams and below is an overview:
| Paper 1Higher (1H), Foundation (1F) | Paper 2Higher (2H), Foundation (2F) | |
| Method of assessment | External | External |
| Type | Non-Calculator | Calculator |
| Weighting | 50% | 50% |
| Time allowed | 1 hour 45 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 |
Homework, Resources and Links:
At ECS, We firmly believe that homework is very important for our students learning. Homework encourages your child to work independently and to take responsibility for his or her work. It also allows them to review and practice what has been covered in class. We expect students in KS4 to spend an hour per week to complete maths homework. We issue homework practice book to every student at the start of year 9. The school has invested heavily in online learning resources such as MyMaths (www.mymaths.co.uk) and Mathswatch (www.mathswatchvle.com/) to provide round the clock support to our students.
Other motivating, enriching and useful websites are:
- emaths
- nrich Maths
- Cut the Knot
- mathsnet
- Plus Magazine – Maths
- Meikleriggs Maths
- World Class Arena
- Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching
- National Association for Able Children in Education
- Mathematics in Education and Industry
Higher education courses and career pathways:
Whether you plan to go on to work, AS and A levels or other further studies, a good understanding of maths will be useful to you. Number skills are required in all sorts of everyday situations, such as trying to work out phone bills. Thinking like a mathematician will help to improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills. A pass in GCSE Mathematics is very vital for entrance to training for any number of professions or careers. It is also very valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at GCSE, AS and A level and at degree level, especially in the sciences: for example, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and medical courses.
If you are interested in taking Mathematics as one of your AS or A level options, you will most probably need to have gained a least a grade B at Higher Tier. AS/A level Mathematics builds on work you have met at GCSE and also involves new ideas, which you can relate to real-life situations – it is interesting but challenging.
The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) runs an excellent website called Maths Careers which can be found at www.mathscareers.org.uk.
