Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is a subject which is rich in opportunities for developing careers and acting as a doorway into third level education. It is all around us; in the places we live and in the things that we use. Its study develops an array of problem-solving skills and reasoning which people utilise in many different walks of life. People recognise that it provides the foundation for much of the work carried out in science and engineering but it is found in many other disciplines as well including medicine, design, computing, accounts, business and economics to name but a few.
Staff:
Mr Quinn, Mrs Doherty, Mrs O Hare, Mr McLoughlin, Miss McSorley, Mr Stevenson & Mr Lynch
Useful Websites
http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm
http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/
http://www.edexcel.com/Pages/Home.aspx
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REVmaths.htm
http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/maths.shtml
http://www.physicsandmathstutor.com
KS3:
Students follow the Key Stage 3 curriculum experiencing mathematics in the contexts of Processes, Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling. Throughout the Key Stage students are assessed and given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities in each of these areas.
Practical work
All students may perform accredited CCEA tasks which may involve ICT to solve mathematical problems and carry out mathematical investigations in Using Maths.
GCSE
There are two possible courses of study:
- CCEA GCSE Mathematics Revised Specification (mandatory)
- CCEA GCSE Further Mathematics Revised Specification (optional)
CCEA GCSE Mathematics Revised Specification
This is the normal course of study followed by all students in which they extend their learning into Key Stage 4. Students are offered the opportunity to sit GCSE Mathematics at a level commensurate with their ability.
Different units of entry allow for different grades to be awarded.
Typically, most students will enter for M3 or M4 in the winter series of exams of Year 12 and M7 or M8 in the summer series of Year 12 although other options are available.
The information below summarises the structure of this GCSE course. All units address the 3 assessment objectives and, where appropriate, questions may require students to know and use problem-solving strategies. Each written paper has a range of question types. Questions are set in both mathematical and non-mathematical contexts. Students normally take 2 units, one must be from M1, M2, M3 or M4 and one must be from M5, M6, M7 or M8.
Content |
Assessment |
Weight |
Availability |
Unit M1: (Foundation) |
External written examination with calculator (1 hr 45 mins) |
45% |
Summer from 2018 and January from 2019 |
Unit M2: (Foundation) |
External written examination with calculator (1 hr 45 mins) |
45% |
Summer from 2018 and January from 2019 |
Unit M5: Foundation Completion Test |
2 external written examinations:
|
55% |
Summer from 2019 and January from 2020 |
Unit M6: Foundation Completion Test |
2 external written examinations:
|
55% |
Summer from 2019 and January from 2020 |
Unit M3: (Higher) |
External written examination with calculator (2 hrs) |
45% |
Summer from 2018 and January from 2019 |
Unit M4: (Higher) |
External written examination with calculator (2 hrs) |
45% |
Summer from 2018 and January from 2019 |
Unit M7: Higher Completion Test |
2 external written examinations:
|
55% |
Summer from 2019 and January from 2020 |
Unit M8: Higher Completion Test |
2 external written examinations:
|
55% |
Summer from 2019 and January from 2020 |
Students must take at least 40% of the assessment at the end of the course as terminal assessment.
Grades available G to A*.
CCEA GCSE Further Mathematics Revised Specification
Further Mathematics GCSE covers two broad areas of Mathematics:
Pure Mathematics covering topics such as calculus, trigonometry, logs and matrices
Applied Mathematics involving Mechanics such as Newton’s laws, kinematics & forces and also Statistics such as statistical distributions, probability & bivariate analysis.
The option of Discrete and Decision maths is not taught.
Examination Structure
Content
|
Assessment
|
Weightings
|
Availability |
Unit 1: Pure Mathematics (Mandatory) |
External written examination in the form of a single question-and answer booklet that includes a formula sheet (2 hours) |
50% |
Summer from 2018 |
Unit 2: Mechanics (Optional) |
External written examination in the form of a single question-and answer booklet that includes a formula sheet (1 hour) |
25% |
Summer from 2019 |
Unit 3: Statistics (Optional) |
External written examination in the form of a single question-and answer booklet that includes a formula sheet (1 hour) |
25% |
Summer from 2019 |
Unit 4: Discrete and Decision Mathematics (Optional) |
External written examination in the form of a single question-and answer booklet (1 hour) |
25% |
Summer from 2019 |
Only one tier of entry available
Grades Available A* to E
Further Mathematics GCSE exam scheduled for May/June series of Year 12.
GCE AS/A2 Level Mathematics
The broad aim of the course is to allow students to develop their understanding of mathematics and its processes in a way that promotes confidence and enjoyment. The range of mathematical skills and techniques is extended, thus developing greater progression and coherence of different areas of mathematics.
CCEA GCE AS/A2 Mathematics (Revised)
Content
|
Assessment
|
Weightings |
AS 1: Pure Mathematics From Sept 2018 |
External written examination 1 hour 45 mins Students answer all questions. |
60% of AS 24% of A level |
AS 2: Applied Mathematics From Sept 2018 |
External written examination 1 hour 15 mins Students answer all questions. |
40% of AS 16% of A level |
A2 1: Pure Mathematics From Sept 2019 |
External written examination 2 hours 30 mins Students answer all questions. |
36% of A level |
A2 2: Applied Mathematics From Sept 2019 |
External written examination 1 hour 30 mins Students answer all questions. |
24% of A level |
Modules are sat during the summer exam series for both the AS & A2 qualifications.
Grades available A* - E.