Hear from Russell Healey
As a core curriculum subject, all boys will follow the Edexcel IGCSE course in Mathematics and be entered for the examination at the end of Year 11.
GCSE
The assessment consists of two externally marked examination papers, each of two hours duration. Both papers require a calculator and each counts for 50%.
The IGCSE allows pupils to develop their knowledge and mathematical understanding of concepts and techniques, meaning that they become confident in using mathematics to solve problems. Although there are two Tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher), all boys at the Grammar School will be entered for the Higher Tier. Each paper will assess targeted grades 9-4.
The boys will be taught in sets according to ability so that their specific needs can be catered for. An experienced team of teachers will guide the boys through the syllabus, highlighting key components as they go. We offer the international GCSE as we feel it prepares the boys better for the requirements of A Level, introducing key concepts like functions and differentiation.
Over 60% of boys regularly attain a grade 7 or above and a large number of boys continue on to study Mathematics at A level.
Subject Enrichment
- Intermediate Maths Challenge
- Senior Maths Club
A Level
The Exam Board is Edexcel and for Single Mathematics there are three papers of two hours in duration. For Further Mathematics there are four papers which are each 90 minutes in duration.
Why study A Level Mathematics at the Grammar School?
A Level Mathematics will allow boys to extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques. They can then use this knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems within pure Maths and in a variety of contexts.
Taught by a very experienced team of subject specialists the boys will gain insight into the more advanced levels of Mathematics. Further Mathematicians will be stretched with a variety of Pure and applied work. The boy’s success at IGCSE continues in to A-Level, where over 60% of single Maths candidates regularly gain either an A or A* and over 65% of boys regularly gain an A or A* for Further Maths.
Mathematics and Further Mathematics are very versatile qualifications. They are well respected by employers and for entry to higher education. Many employers highly value mathematics qualifications because those pupils who have studied the subject are better at thinking logically and analytically. Through problem solving, pupils will develop resilience and will become able to think creatively and strategically. By writing structured solutions, proof and justification of results, pupils learn how to formulate reasoned arguments and they develop excellent numeracy skills and the ability to process and interpret data. For most STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree courses, A Level Maths is a requirement and A Level Further Maths is often a preferred subject.
The skills you will learn in A Level Maths will benefit many other A Level subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Geography and Economics. If you study Further Maths it is likely to improve your grade at A Level because you will get extra practise and further consolidation.
A Level Mathematics is an interesting but challenging course. It will extend the methods you learnt at IGCSE and also introduce you to the world of Mechanics and Statistics.
Further Maths gives the pupils the opportunity to delve deeper into pure mathematics and study more branches of applied mathematics. This develops their interest in the subject and gives them a deeper understanding of the world of Mathematics. About 25-30 pupils study this each year. Anyone who is seriously considering applying to Cambridge or Oxford to study Maths, Natural Sciences or Physics, Engineering or even Medicine, should consider doing Further Maths for A Level.
Subject Enrichment
- Senior Maths challenge.Senior Maths Club.