GCSE in Mathematics

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

In the world of work, the importance of mathematics is unquestionable. For example, it is the key to science and engineering; it is indispensable in commerce and it is used increasingly in every service we rely on in our modern society.

The course is designed to help students obtain the grade 4 and above in Maths GCSE that is required by many employers and further/higher education courses.

Students who show the ability and attitude required can be put in early for the November session of exams.

Please note: You will be expected to have a basic scientific calculator & geometric equipment. These can be purchased from the college if students do not own them from secondary school.

Number: • Mental arithmetic • Fractions, decimals, percentages • Time, money and personal finance • Speed, ratio and proportion • Estimation and approximation • Negative numbers • Factors, multiples, prime numbers

Algebra: • Algebra and solving equations • Formulae and sequences • Co-ordinates and graphs • Inequalities

Shape and Space: • Angles • Triangles and quadrilaterals • Symmetry • Polygons and circles • Direction and distance • Loci and constructions • Areas and volumes • Transformations and enlargements • Understanding and using measures • Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry

Data Handling: • Collection and organisation of data • Pictograms and bar charts • Averages and range • Pie charts, time series and frequency diagrams, scatter graphs • Probability and Venn diagrams

Functional Skills & Problem Solving: There will be an element of functional skills incorporated into the GCSE maths examinations. Students will be required to apply functional elements of mathematics to everyday and real-life situations. This will involve students explaining their thought processes clearly and in a mathematical way.

Assessment

3 x 1.5 hour exams in June (and/or November for some). There is no coursework. Each exam contributes one third to the final grade.

Paper 1 (Non-Calculator), Papers 2 & 3 (Calculator)

Grade 3 in GCSE Mathematics.

Most employers/higher education courses require their employees to have a 4 or above in GCSE Maths.