1. GCSE Examination in Mathematics AQA 8300
GCSE Coursework: Information Evening for Year 10 Parents
27/05/2018
GCSE Examination in Mathematics AQA 8300
Miss Donnelly Director of Mathematics
T:\ Presentations

2. KS4 curriculum for Yr 9 The vision
Developing an inspiring, motivating and coherent maths syllabus for the entire ability range, which emphasises and encourages:
Sound understanding of concepts.
Fluency in procedural skill.
Competency to apply mathematical skills in a range of contexts.
Confidence in mathematical problem solving.

3. GCSE Mathematics is getting more demanding.
The volume of subject content has increased.
The demand of the content is increasing with harder topics being introduced at both the Higher and the Foundation tiers.
The total time for the examinations is increasing to 41/2 hours.
There is a greater emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning with more marks being allocated to these higher-order skills.
There are fewer marks at the lower grades and more marks at the higher grades in both tiers.
Students will be required to memorise formulae.

4. The new grading scale
Numbers from 1 to 9 (with 9 being the top level).
Grade U still exists.

5. Top third of grade C and bottom third of grade B.
Old
New 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 A* A B C D E F G
 Top 20% of A/A*
 Benchmark
‘Pass’ 
Top third of grade C and bottom third of grade B.

6. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 A* A B C D E F G
50% H
20% of the marks must be in common questions appearing on both tiers.

7. All content from any part of the specification may be assessed.
Pupils will take 3 examination papers all at the same tier.
Paper 1 – non calculator
Paper 2 – calculator
Paper 3 – calculator
What is assessed?
All content from any part of the specification may be assessed.
How is it assessed?
Written exam; hour 30 minutes
80 marks
Non-calculator
33.3% of the GCSE Maths assessment.
Calculator
Questions
A mix of question styles from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as you progress through the paper.

8. 6 new topics have been added to both tiers.
Foundation
Higher
Number
25%
15%
Algebra
20%
30%
Ratio/proportion
Geometry and measures
Probability and statistics
16 topics have been added to the Foundation tier that were previously only tested on the Higher tier.
6 new topics have been added to both tiers.
Along with these 6 new topics, another 7 new topics have been added to the Higher tier.

9. What will we do to prepare the pupils for the new GCSE?
Pupils will be;
given clear guidance on topics, listing the objectives for the unit being covered.
given challenging work that focuses on the new aims, in particular linking topics across the subject and problem solving.
given End of Unit and termly assessments.
following a structured exam preparation programme in the weeks/months prior to the GCSE.
regularly assessed to identify if they are on track to achieve their target grade.
You will be informed (and can contact us) either via the pupil planner, telephone, or by post if any cause for concern may arise.

10. Thank you for your ongoing support
How can you help?
Look in their planner and their exercise books.
Encourage them to complete all homework set and to do this in good time.
Ensure they have the right equipment, including a scientific calculator (they make great Christmas presents! The Casio fx83GT Plus is the one everyone wants).
Ensure they are prepared for assessments throughout the year.
Use mathswatch to act on areas in need of development after each assessment.
Buy Apps: Collins Maths Revision and the GCSE exams App (Super Edition).
Buy revision guides (CGP).
Be positive! Comments like ‘I was never very good at maths at school’ do not help.
Get involved and get in touch.
Be realistic. Not everyone should be entered for the higher examination or can get a grade 9.
Thank you for your ongoing support