Maths - GCSE

"GCSE Maths at college was less pressurised than school and I found it easier to learn."

Entry Requirements

If you did not achieve a 4 or higher in GCSE Maths at school, you are required to resit it alongside your other subjects at college.

Subject Intent

Our Level 2 Maths qualifications aim to give students the opportunity to gain a grade 4 or better in GCSE mathematics who have not yet done so. We try to tailor instruction as closely as possible to individual students needs whilst encouraging students to develop independence and take responsibility for raising their attainment in mathematics. We aim to foster students’ interest and enjoyment in mathematics.

Course Introduction

This one-year course offers the opportunity to gain the nationally recognised qualification of GCSE Mathematics. A GCSE Maths pass is required for many careers and higher education courses. You will study the same content as at school including number, algebra, handling data, and shape and space. The focus is on applying knowledge and mathematical techniques in order to solve problems. There is a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communicating mathematical ideas in addition to consolidating basics including arithmetic skills.

Numeracy along with literacy is a key focus throughout your time in college. You will find that a good working knowledge of Maths will support your other subjects in college and give you the confidence you need when looking at future employment. Numeracy is used to solve problems and make sense of numbers, time, patterns and shapes for activities like cooking, reading receipts, reading instructions and even playing sport.

Course Modules

The course will cover basic numeracy (fractions, percentages etc), geometry, algebra, graphs, data handling and probability. There will be opportunities later in the course to revise topics and practice exam papers under exam conditions.

Assessment

Three examination papers sat at the end of the course (graded 9-1) of 1 hour 30 minutes each. You can use a calculator in Papers 2 and 3, but not in paper 1. Any of the course content could be examined in each of the three papers.

Course Fact

GCSE Maths can be taken alongside a Level 2 or Level 3 programme. Numeracy skills are a key requirement for employers and higher education.