1. GCSE Mathematics

2. Course
New AQA GCSE (8300)
Specification: /specification-at-a-glance

3. Assessment 3 x 1.5 hr examinations 1 non-calc 2 calc
Any topic can be assessed within any of the exams although some topics clearly lend themselves more to either non-calc or calculator questions.

4. What has changed from the “Old” GCSE?
Less of a focus on fluency although this is still important
Much more of a focus on problem solving and mathematical reasoning
More multi-step questions
Several new topics (eg Venn diagrams, gradient of a tangent)
Some topics have come down from A Level (eg quadratic inequalities, iterative methods)
Foundation tier now contains some of old B grade topics (eg trigonometry)
No formula sheet at beginning of exam
At Crypt we have been teaching the new topics for last 5/6 years so we are in a fortunate position

5. Grading Higher tier: Grades 3-9 Foundation tier: Grades 1-5
Grade 4 is anchored to the C grade BUT a Grade 5 is considered a “good pass”
Grade 7 is anchored to the A grade

6. Revision materials
4 sets of practice papers on school network (in Year 11 maths folder)
A 5th set will follow shortly before Easter
11 sets of “linked pair” papers (Methods and Applications) on the AQA website.
Topic tests on school network (in Year 11 maths folder)
Mymaths – GCSE booster packs
Corbett maths – 5 a day
Maths takeaway (KESH maths)
Revision guides and workbooks

7. On the day! RTFQ!!!! (Read the full question!)
Write down the formulae at the start of the exam
Check your answers carefully – can you substitute back into the question? Do they make common sense?
Check the first half of the exam very carefully after you have finished – easier to make careless mistakes at the start.
RSa to send students a topic checklist after the second exam to predict what will come up in the final exam