GCSE Mathematics

All students at Launchpad will have the opportunity to study GCSE Mathematics

Mathematics underpins every one of our lives. In order to use the skills well, we need to practise and become confident in selecting and applying the appropriate operations. This can range from measuring and calculating the size of carpet needed for a room, checking the percentage of tax and National Insurance in a pay slip, and even as far as appreciating the beauty in classical architecture, which is reliant on aesthetically pleasing ratios. Mathematics is often considered as a science but has also been linked to an art in its beauty and purpose throughout nature.

What is Launchpad aiming to achieve through its Maths curriculum?

Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be. At Launchpad, we deliver lessons and support to enable students to engage with, explore, enjoy and succeed in maths. By putting student’s welfare at the heart of everything we do, our goal is to shape what success in maths looks like for every student.
The aim of the maths lessons at Launchpad is to help students to acquire fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems. Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions. Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Rationale
Mathematics is essential to many different careers and life in general. By studying for the GCSE mathematics, students will be showing a foundation level of mathematical knowledge and achieve a world-renowned qualification in a very versatile subject. After this course, they can move on to achieve an A Level in mathematics and use their qualification in many different walks of life.

Units of study:
The learners will study the following topics:
1. number
2. algebra
3. ratio proportion and rate of change
4. geometry and measures
5. probability and statistics

Assessments
Pupils are assessed at the end of Year 11 with three exam papers.
Paper 1 Calculator - 1 hour 30 mins
Paper 2 Non-Calculator - 1 hour 30 mins
Paper 3 Calculator - 1 hour 30 mins

Progression Opportunities:
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress onto further studies at Sixth Form: AS & A2 Mathematics, AS & A2 Further Mathematics, International Baccalaureate Mathematics Studies, International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL.
Careers: Statistics, Transport, Engineering, Media, Food, Technology, Graphics, IT, Computer Games, Environment, Medicine, Science, Teaching, Finance