Page 17 - Kingham Hill School GCSE prospectus

Course Catalogue A - Z

Mathematics

(Edexcel GCSE 1MA1)

It may be unlikely that you will need to calculate pi or solve trigonometry equations as a chef, but
learning basic mathematical skills at GCSE level helps to build up essential skills that are used on
a daily basis. Skills such as problem solving, analysing data, communications, logical thinking and
attention to detail. Simple mathematical skills are used every day in the form of shopping, baking,
journey planning and driving.

If you want to change career and get into teaching, nursing and many other things, mathematics
will be on the list of essential qualifications that the admissions team will want to see. This is to
gauge your suitability for higher study and in many cases, because mathematics will factor into the
course in some way. It is an essential for most universities.

Units of study and examination criteria:

The majority of our pupils will study for the Higher Tier mathematics papers although a few may sit
the Foundation Tier. Domains of study include:

Domain Higher Foundation
Number 15% 25%
Ratio, Proportion & Rates of 20% 25%
Change
Algebra 30% 20%
Statistics & Probability 15% 15%
Geometry & Measures 20% 15%

Both tiers are examined through three equally-weighted written papers of one and half hours each,
paper 1 being the non-calculator paper. The Higher Tier covers grades 4 to 9 (C to A* in the old
system) and the Foundation Tier covers grades 1 to 5 (G to C).

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