GCSE Mathematics

In September 2010 Sandbach School, along with all schools nationally, began teaching Mathematics from new specifications. The OCR Graduated Assessment Course in Mathematics, which we have followed for many years, is no longer available.

Sandbach School decided therefore to use the OCR Mathematics B Specification. The qualification is designed to develop the broader mathematical skills of problem solving, reasoning and generalising. There will be opportunities for pupils not only to study traditional mathematical topics like Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics, but also how to use these in everyday life.

 This GCSE is assessed by two exam papers taken at the end of the Course in May/June of Year 11. Boys will take either the two Foundation tier papers or the two Higher tier papers. One paper will allow the use of a calculator; the other does not. From the Higher Tier boys can achieve grades from A* to D and the Foundation Tier accesses grades C to G.

Mathematics GCSE is highly valuable in the workplace, opening up opportunities for many different career paths such as architecture, banking and finance, business consultancy, engineering, game design, health and medicine, IT and computer science, psychology, science, teaching and many more. This Maths course also encourages the development of characteristics valued by employers such as the ability to: speculate and make decisions, work effectively with others, explain and prove ideas, communicate clearly, interpret, reflect on and solve problems.