Ryedale School

COURSE AIMS 

The main aims of the course are to allow and encourage students to develop an ability to think mathematically i.e. precisely, logically and creatively; they will also develop understanding of mathematical concepts and how to communicate them effectively. 

Through independent and co-operative study, students will develop an appreciation of how maths can be used in their own lives as well as the place of maths in society as a whole. 

Maths underpins many other subjects; this course gives students a firm foundation for further study across the curriculum. 

COURSE CONTENT

Number – arithmetic, fractions, percentages, application to finance, powers and estimating;  

Algebra – algebraic manipulation, equations, formulae, graphs and sequences;  

Ratio, proportion and rates of change - measures, scale factors, maps, ratio, proportion, percentage and speed;  

Geometry and measures – angles, construction, 2D and 3D shapes, Pythagoras, area, volume, trigonometry, vectors and similarity;  

Probability – experimental and theoretical probability, outcomes and combined events;  

 Statistics – averages, charts, cumulative frequency, histogram and scatter graph;

ASSESSMENT 

Assessment is based on 3 examinations taken at the end of Year 11.  

Each exam is 1 hour 30 mins long and will be a mix of short single mark questions and multi-step problems. 

Students are expected to be competent at mental and written calculation to solve problems and interpret the result. 

OTHER INFORMATION 

Year 9 is a preparatory year developing the knowledge and skills essential to a successful GCSE. This will be built upon in Years 10 and 11 where topics will be studied at greater depth. 

Students are placed in sets based on their Year 8 achievement. The sets are constantly reviewed to ensure students are in the best group to support their ability. Students will follow either the Foundation course (1-5) or the Higher course (4-9). Final decisions regarding tier entry are made in Year 11. 

Additional Maths will be offered as an extra course to the most able students and is usually delivered across Year 10 and 11. 

Entry Level Certificate will be available for those students working below grade 2. 

GCSE Specification - https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/mathematics/specifications/AQA-8300-SP-2015.