Preparing for GCSEs…A Parents’/Carers’ Guide Preparing for GCSEs can be a challenging time for students, parents and carers. This booklet is intended to provide some detailed information on GCSE Maths. There are 2 levels of entry for all GCSE mathematics examinations, Foundation and Higher. Grades C and D are attainable through both Foundation and Higher entry levels. Each student’s level of entry will have been decided by the mathematics department, looking at their work this year, their mock GCSE results and using their teacher’s knowledge of how they will perform best in examinations. It is important that students are encouraged to work hard and ‘smart’. Spending hours ‘revising’ does not necessarily ensure that they are revising well. Around the GCSE examination period, parents can support their child in various ways. In preparation for his or her mathematics examination papers, students should ensure they bring: black pens; pencils; rubber; sharpener, ruler, protractor, a compass and a calculator.
R.Moore & F.Geddes (Numeracy Co-ordinators)
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GCSE Overview Edexcel Linear Specification A Paper 1
Non Calculator
Paper 2
Calculator
Linear papers cover the whole of the mathematics Curriculum. There are 2 levels of paper Foundation
GFEDC
Higher
D C B A A*
Both papers are marked out of 100 In June 2014 the grade boundaries (out of 200) were: Foundation
G 63
F 82
E 101 D 121 C 141
Higher
E 14
D 28
C 57
B 95
A 133 A* 164
Grade boundaries can change so we want to make sure that in the run up to the exam our students are performing comfortably in their target grade. For example a student aiming for a C on a Foundation paper should aim to be getting about 70 to 75% in the run up to the exam.
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Types of Questions A01 These are basic straightforward maths questions. These test the student’s maths knowledge of each topic.
A02 For these questions students need to select which maths to use to solve a real life problem
A03 The students need to decide how to answer these questions and explain why. It is the A02 and A03 type questions that students are finding the most difficult and these are the areas in which parents can help the most.
A02 & A03 type Questions Real Life Questions that have come up recently have included:
Buying goods, calculating change.
Finding the cost of 8 cakes if you know the cost of 5.
Filling the missing amounts in a bank statement or invoice.
Changing money into different currencies.
Reading an electricity meter and calculating the bill.
Finding areas involving gardens, wallpaper, carpet, paint.
Planning a visit to Grandma using a bus timetable and when to be back for.
Calculating best buys.
Working out postage & packing charges for online goods. 5
Revision Opportunities In School Students have a lot of exam practice in lessons, this then enables us to see which topics the class needs to cover. It also gives students an idea of what grade they are currently working at and what topics and type of question they need to improve on. As well as lessons there are lunchtime and after school revision sessions which are levelled for students’ needs. Where students can revise with a teacher on hand to give extra help when needed. These sessions are held on:
WEEK A, Lunchtimes WEEK B, After school (3.15- 4.15)
Mymaths Cavendish School has invested heavily into this student resource and there are “Booster” revision activities for all levels.
Mathswatch After the last exam we analysed how our students revised and how they did. We found that one of the most effective ways of revising was to use the Mathswatch website. We have subscribed to this and so it is free for our students, all they need is their username and login. There are also worksheets that the students can print out using their school printing budget.
Other Websites BBC Bitesize Mangahigh.com
Revision Guides If your child prefers to learn from a book Revision Guides are available from us or WHSmiths or Amazon. Make sure you have the correct level and exam board (see the front of this guide).
Calculators For the calculator paper students need a scientific calculator. Every brand of calculator works differently so it is essential students are using a calculator they are familiar with in the exam. In school we use CASIO calculators and would recommend them as they are very clear to use.
Last of All The students who perform best are those who enter the exam room confident, relaxed, healthy and rested. Revising is important but looking after yourself is the best possible preparation. 6
