Supporting progress and success in Maths and English

 To present parents with an overview of GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language and Literature.  To provide parents with a range of practical strategies to help your sons and daughters succeed for GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language and Literature.  To familiarise parents with the key resources required to succeed in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language and Literature.

 Grades and Progress ◦ Success is not just about the final outcome, but how hard you work to get there.  Targets ◦ Set based on prior outcomes ◦ Targets are not limits ◦ Aspirational to encourage the best from everyone  Students and teachers share the responsibility

English

Awarded two GCSEs by the end of Year 11: GCSE English Language. GCSE English Literature. Two strands externally assessed: Reading and Writing. Speaking and Listening. Two tiers of entry: Foundation or Higher Paper.

Unit 1: Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts  2 hours 15 minutes.  60% of overall GCSE grade. Unit 3: Controlled Assessment  Reading assessment on Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.  Two pieces of creative, original writing.  Spoken Language Study.  40% of overall GCSE grade. Unit 2: Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment  No longer included as part of the overall GCSE English Language grade.  An endorsement on final GCSE English Language certificate.

Unit 1: Exploring Modern Texts  Two set texts.  1 hour 30 minutes external examination.  40% of overall GCSE grade. Unit 2: Poetry Across Time  A selection of poems from the AQA Moon on the Tides Anthology.  1 hour fifteen minutes external examination.  35% of overall GCSE grade. Unit 3: Controlled Assessment  Shakespeare and Literary Heritage Comparative Study.  25% of overall GCSE grade.

Maths

 One GCSE awarded at the end of year 11.  Assessment is through two exams ◦ 50% Calculator ◦ 50% Non-Calculator  All four ‘strands’ of Maths are assessed in each exam ◦ Number – Algebra – Shape – Statistics  Students are assessed in each exam in three ways ◦ Recall of Mathematical facts (up to 50%) ◦ Selection of methods to apply to a context (up to 30%) ◦ Problem solving and reasoning mathematically (up to 30%)

 Number ◦ Basic Operations ◦ Fractions ◦ Decimals ◦ Percentages ◦ Ratio ◦ Complex Percentages ◦ Standard Index Form ◦ Direct and inverse proportion  Algebra ◦ Algebraic Expression ◦ Solving Equations ◦ Plotting Graphs ◦ Coordinates ◦ Graphical Transformations ◦ Quadratic Equations ◦ Algebraic Fractions ◦ Proof

 Shape ◦ Area and Perimeter ◦ Measures and Units ◦ Transformations ◦ Angle Rules ◦ Volume ◦ Shape Properties ◦ Trigonometry ◦ Complex volume and area  Statistics ◦ Averages and Range ◦ Charts and Graphs ◦ Data Collection ◦ Probability ◦ Histograms ◦ Conditional Probability ◦ Cumulative Frequency

English

IF YOU READ! YOU WILL SUCCEED!

You can help your child to develop their reading skills by:  Encouraging them to read for a short amount of time every day.  Encourage them to read good quality journalism.  Read your child’s set texts and discuss them together.  Let your child see you reading.  Read together!

You can help your child to practise these skills by:  Encouraging your child to use a dictionary.  Working with your child to check through work for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.  If you aren’t sure, look things up together.

You can help your child to practise this skill by:  Asking your child to describe the main characters in their books.  Talk about the story and the parts the characters play.

 GCSE Study Guide series are available for all titles.

 BBC Bitesize.  Universal Teacher.  Sky Learning.  ‘English Biz’.   Cherwell  BBC Skillswise.  Use the AQA online resources for GCSE English and English Literature.

Maths

Maths – Then and Now ◦ The Maths has not changed but the methods look a bit different sometimes. ◦ The most common is multiplication…

Maths – Then and Now  Different methods do not mean you can not help. ◦ Spend time working with children on problems. ◦ If the methods you use are different compare solutions, discuss which is more efficient, ask them to explain their methods to you. ◦ Make sure they know the basics – times tables. ◦ Encourage them to believe they can do maths.  Studies have shown that students and parents spending time studying together has a positive impact on outcomes.

These are both Past paper questions. Past exam papers provide essential preparation and should all be completed to the very best of a students ability

 Revision Guides  Homework ◦ Set each week and will be either a past paper or a question booklet ◦ Should be treated throughout as preparation  Help Available ◦ Staff run after-school classes ◦ Ask parents/carers/grandparents/siblings… ◦ Attend holiday revision classes  Know you basics ◦ Times tables ◦ Number Bonds ◦ Basic Formulae ◦ Fractions/decimals/Percentages

 MathsWatch CD  GCSE Bitesize – BBC  Apps (smartphone) ◦ Available free specifically for GCSE or just for general practice ◦ Maths Card  MyMaths Website ◦ Individual passwords for each student ◦ Tracks progress and gives instant feedback  YouTube tutorial videos

 Good grades in all subjects are essential but ◦ Employers more and more want good grades in Maths and English ◦ A minimum standard has been introduced for all students to achieve and they will have to keep studying until 18 to achieve it ◦ This is about more than factual knowledge and is about demonstrating communication skills, problem solving ability and initiative

 We will be here to answer any questions now but if you do have any other questions please feel free to contact us directly through the school.