Assessment Structure

GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and a Higher tier (grades 4-9).

Students must take three question papers at the same tier. 

The information below is the same for both Foundation and Higher tiers.

• Paper 1: Non-calculator
• Paper 2: Calculator
• Paper 3: Calculator

What’s Assessed

For all papers, content from any part of the specification may be assessed.

Questions

A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems.  The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.

Topics Studied 

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measures
• Probability
• Statistics

Why take this course?

Maths is a wonderfully creative subject.  At KEVICC, the dedicated team of skilled mathematicians is committed to ensuring that all students gain confidence with their problem solving, enabling them to learn to take risks.  Students are encouraged to work collaboratively with the subject and soak up the enthusiasm the staff have for learning.

This course builds on skills developed through Key Stage 3 and assesses these skills in a linear system at the end of the course. It requires commitment, dedication and independent study.

Where could it lead?

Post 16

We offer Mathematics and Further Mathematics here at KEVICC and many of our students go on to study Mathematics related degrees at university.  Along with the compulsory core modules, students have the opportunity to specialise in either applied mathematics or statistics.

Further Maths is studied alongside the normal maths A Level.  Students experience many new and exciting areas of mathematics such as complex numbers and decision maths.  The course is divided into two parts:  Pure and Applied.

Pure Maths is the study of algebra, trigonometry, geometry and calculus and is essential for both the understanding of the subject and to provide the tools to deal with real life applications.

Applied Maths is the study of the way in which Maths is used in life.

Post 18

Mathematics is a valuable qualification for scientific, computing and engineering degrees and has links with many other subjects including Business studies, Geography, Economics, Biology, Environmental Science and Psychology.

Career

Recent research suggests that those who have a Maths A Level earn an average 10% higher income.

Maths affects everything we do in our lives. It forms the basis for many other subjects and is fascinating in its own right.  It can lead to a variety of fulfilling careers from engineering, design and architecture to philosophy, geography and even careers in music and the media.  The list is endless.

For more information please visit the Maths Careers Website.

Contact

Mr K. Price

Assessment Structure

• 100% Examinations

Topics Studied 

Students will study both practical and theoretical aspects of Computer Science. Much of the course will involve learning how to code programs that solve given problems using core programming techniques, such as selection and iteration, variables and data structures, arithmetic, relational and Boolean operators, reading from and writing to external files and using functions and procedures.  Students will also learn how to include validation and user authentication and how to test their programs using different types of test data.

Understanding algorithms is a key part of the course, representing them as flowcharts or in pseudo code, checking them using trace tables and comparing algorithms for specific purposes, e.g. searching and sorting data.

Theoretical topics covered include how computers store and represent data using binary, computer hardware, particularly how CPU and data storage devices work, computer networks, especially security methods and types of programming languages and software packages. Students will also study cyber security and the ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology.

Why take this course?

This course is ideal for students who have a keen interest in how computers work and how they are programmed.  If you want to understand what goes on inside your digital devices or want to learn how to code your own application then GCSE Computer Science is for you.

Where could it lead?

Post 16

A level Computer Science at our Sixth Form Centre at Kennicott or more specialised vocational course in computer hardware, network support and application development.  Some employers may offer level 3 apprenticeships in Computing/IT for which GCSE Computer Science would be a great asset.

Post 18

Computer Science can be studied at most Universities, with a range of degree courses allowing students to specialise in a particular area of interest. Alternatively students might look for higher level apprenticeships in Computing or IT.

Career

There are a wide range of careers available in Computing and IT, from technical support and software development, including games, apps and websites, to network security, working to prevent cyber-attacks and the spreading of viruses.

Contact

Mr. J Hartridge