Maths GCSE 2015 Curriculum changes

Changes to the provision of formulae – only the following formulae will be given: Cone and sphere – surface area and volume Kinematics ‘SUVAT’ equations: v = u + at s = ut + ½ at² v² = u² + 2as

New skills assessed at Foundation and Higher Understand the ≠ symbol (not equal) Recognise and use simple geometric sequences Express a multiplicative relationship between two quantities as a ratio or a fraction? Write a ratio as a linear function Use inequality notation to specify error intervals due to rounding Find the equation of a line through two points or through one point with given gradient Plot and interpret graphs of non-standard functions in real contexts to find approximate solutions to problems such as simple KINEMATIC problems involving distance, speed and acceleration Calculate compound measures including pressure in numerical and algebraic contexts Derive the sum of angles in a triangle Know the exact values of sin, cos and tan at 0 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° and 90° degrees Set up, solve and interpret growth and decay problems Use Venn diagrams Consider outliers when calculating the range of a distribution Know that correlation does not imply causation Use Times Series graphs and tables Number Algebra Shape & Space Data Handling

Skills to be assessed at Foundation that are currently Higher only - NEW ‘C’ GRADE Calculate exactly with multiples of π Solve problems involving percentage change and reverse percentages Use direct and inverse proportion graphically and algebraically Solve problems involving compound interest Factorise quadratics including the difference of two squares Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions including those involving surds Find the equation of a line through two points or through one point with a given gradient Identify and interpret roots, intercepts, turning points of quadratic functions graphically; deduce roots algebraically Sketch quadratic, cubic and reciprocal functions Derive simultaneous equations from real-life situations Solve linear simultaneous equations algebraically and graphically Apply and interpret limits of accuracy Perform calculations with density, mass and volume Find corresponding lengths in similar shapes Use the congruence criteria for triangles (SSS, SAS, ASA, RHS) Use the sin, cos and tan trigonometric ratios for right-angled triangles Enlarge shapes with fractional scale factors Calculate arc lengths, angles & areas of sectors; calculate surface area & volume of spheres, pyramids, cones & composite solids Use vectors; apply addition, subtraction and multiplication of vectors Use tree diagrams for probability in independent and dependent combined events Infer properties of a population from a sample, while knowing the limitations of sampling

New skills assessed at Higher only - NEW ‘A’ GRADE Solve quadratic inequalities in one variable Expand two or more binomials Recognise and use geometric sequences where the common ratio may be a surd Estimate the area under a graph Apply concepts of instantaneous and average rates of change by looking at the gradients of tangents and chords to a curve Find the equation of a tangent to a circle at a given point, using the fact that it is perpendicular to the radius Interpret areas under graphs and gradients of graphs in real-life contexts (e.g. recognise that the area under a velocity-time graph represents displacement) Prove the circle theorems Find inverse and composite functions Sketch y = tan x (in addition to sin and cos) Use the probability “AND” and “OR” rules

No longer required: Solve equations using trial and improvement (no longer in Foundation) Convert between metric and imperial units Design a survey question and identify sources of bias Draw and interpret frequency polygons and stem and leaf diagrams