MATHEMATICS GCSE Subject changes from 2015 First Exam 2017

No exam board chosen yet 100% examination with 3 exams 1 calculator paper and 2 non-calculator papers Total of 4.5 hours examination time Both tiers enable students to meet the entry requirements to enter sixth form/colleges Students will sit higher if they are intending to study mathematics A Level GCSE Maths exam update

GCSE Maths content update Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now also be covered in the foundation papers. New higher content will cover more essential skills required at A level. Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’ aspect of questions.

Some of the new topics in each tier FOUNDATION [Grade 1-5] Compound interest and reverse percentages Direct and indirect proportion (numeric and algebraic) Solve simultaneous equations Solve quadratic equations by factorisation Trigonometry Lengths of arcs and areas of sectors of circles Vectors HIGHER [Grade 4-9] Functions including inverse and composite Iteration Introduction to calculus Geometric sequences Venn diagrams

Example of a foundation tier question on averages: Old style of question: New style of question:

Examples of the new ‘most challenging’ material: Introduction to iteration – an A level maths topic [covered in C3] More advanced algebraic manipulation – these skills are essential at A level Greater links to coordinate geometry/graphs – these skills are again used at A level

Preparing for assessments and exams Make use of online resources: ‘mymaths’, ‘just maths’ & ‘mathswatchvle’. Regularly revise topics in small chunks to aid retention of key facts & skills. Develop resilience by answering problem solving based tasks.

mymaths.co.uk malmesbury graph Access new content here

online.justmaths.co.uk MalmesburyStudent Malmesbury Video clips, worksheets and solutions available Access to new content

mathswatchvle.com malmesbury [student log on] malmesbury Access to new content

Maths changes summary Several previously ‘higher tier’ topics will now also be covered in the foundation papers We anticipate more students will enter the foundation paper due to its level of difficulty Both tiers enable students to meet the entry requirements for sixth form/colleges. Higher tier if considering A Level Maths Most significant change is the ‘problem solving’ aspect of questions – be resilient! It is important that students revise throughout the two years and keep comprehensive notes and feedback from teachers

Online revision login details