1. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Mr D. Kidman
Head of Mathematics

2. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Minutiae
Exam Board – AQA
Number of Papers – 3
Length of exams – 1 hr 30 mins each paper
1 non calculator, 2 calculator papers
Equipment needed – Black pens, pencils, 30cm ruler, eraser, protractor, pair of compasses and small pencil, scientific calculator
All equipment can be purchased from the school shop in the library

3. Ashlawn Mathematics Department

4. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Exam Question Structure:
Objective
Foundation
Higher
Use and apply standard techniques
50%
40%
Reason, interpret and communicate effectively
25%
30%
Solve problems in a variety of contexts

5. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Example from an exam paper

6. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Exam Content Structure
Subject Area
Foundation
Higher
Number
25%
15%
Algebra
20%
30%
Ratio, Proportion, Rates of Change
Geometry and Measure
Statistics and Probability

7. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Student Perspective
Organisation: Equipment and book, homework, punctuality
Effort: Bookwork – Pride in presentation of written work; Homework – Not rushed; help sought early; proper effort. Problem solving – Attempt before help is sought; look back on work completed prior to the lesson
Preparation: Each assessment forms part of the cycle that is working towards the final GCSE exam in June 2018
Effort: Natural ability vs. Hard work

8. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Online Resources
Corbettmaths.com
- Vast array of clips
- Worksheets
- Quizzes
- No password

9. Ashlawn Mathematics Department

10. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Additional Online Resources
BBC Bitesize – Updated to reflect the changes to the exams and exam board specific
Khan Academy – Tailored to the US, but a vast array of resources available online
Hegarty Maths – Two sites, one paid, one free. Over 1000 videos and other resources to aid comprehension

11. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Impact on Student
Independence: Self directed study - Focus on areas of weakness
Quality of homework: Ready made video instruction for each given topic
Differentiated: Choose between viewing clips, exam style questions or exercise book related resources

12. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
Revision Guides
Worked examples
Workbook section
Sample exam paper
All topics required for Higher and Foundation present (separate books)
£5 (£6 on Amazon)

13. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
How best to revise
Start early (i.e. you should have started by now…but if not, don’t put it off any longer…)
Don’t focus on beautifying your notes, neat and concise is better
Take short breaks – 5 minutes in every 30
Use revision guides – but don’t just read them, use them to generate your own revision resources
Flash cards
Post-it notes with key formulae
Topic posters
On a weekend, start early, to finish early.…

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How best to revise
Get yourself healthy drinks and snacks before you begin – e.g. water, oranges, fruit and nut mix
Sit at a proper desk in the right environment
No music, no phone/tablet, no TV in the background
Don't turn yourself into a revision zombie – take time to continue
your hobbies, get exercise, take breaks
Do lots of practice exam papers – the actual papers will be closely
modelled on these examples

15. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
School Perspective
Lessons
Embedding basic skills; applying these to complex and problem solving scenarios
Ensure that the basic elements are in place – number work, algebraic manipulation etc.
Homework
Reinforcing current topics or with an emphasis on spaced learning
Use the online resources to ensure the quality of homework is right first time
After School
Intervention sessions in build up to Exams
Attend, but with a clear view to getting help on specific topics

16. Ashlawn Mathematics Department
In summary
Ability to move between topics seamlessly – Derived from fluency
Organisation – Equipment, books, deadlines
Homework – Use online resources to support learning
Take each assessment seriously – Building a clear picture of gaps in knowledge