Mathematics CurriculumChanges for 2017 GCSE assessment onwards

New

Sp

eci

fica

tio

n

Ne

w S

pe

cifi

cati

on

New Old9+ A*9 A*9- A*8+ A*8 A*8- A+7+ A7 A7- A-6+ B+6 B6- B5+ B-5 B-5- C+4+ C4 C4- C-3+ D+3 D/D-3- E+2+ E2 E-/F+2- F 1+ F-1 G+/G1- G-U U

• Ensure assessments are multi-step and problem solving questions (nothing straightforward!)

• Exam boards have banks of question on ‘wizards’ which can be accessed online

• Lots of assessment materials on the exam boards websites and now from publishers

Approaches to introduction of new specifications

• New grading system 1 to 9 (9 being the highest)

• Two tiers Foundation and Higher

• Foundation tier will cover grades 1 to 5

• Higher tier will cover grades 4 to 9

• Examined in June at end of course

• November exam for post 16’s only

What has changed?

• Three 1 ½ hour papers (total of 4 ½ hours assessment)

• Two calculator papers (one non-calculator paper)

• The new Maths GCSE will be double weighted in the new 2016 ‘Progress 8’ secondary school performance measure.

What has changed?

PiXL Mathematics Conference- November 2014

KS4 Subject Content

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio, proportion and rates of change

• Geometry and measures

• Probability

• Statistics

Changes to content

Now included in Foundation Tier:-

• Trigonometry• Standard form calculations• Vectors• Factorising quadratic expressions• y = mx + c to work with straight

lines on graphs

All students will need to learn these formulae:-

• More emphasis on problem solving and multi-step solutions

• Questions will be more open-ended and often set in real life contexts

• No more QWC (quality of written communication) but ‘communicate information accurately’ now part of AO2

Assessment focus

Diagnosis Therapy

TestingDiagnosis

Testing

PLC

PLC

Therapy

Our Maths PLC

Edexcel Chief Examiner Report 2012

“On all papers, the quality of arithmetic gave cause for concern.”

Edexcel Chief Examiner Report 2014

“On non-calculator papers it is the standard of basic arithmetic that loses marks through the paper. And this concern is at all levels of ability. Their comprehension of mathematics often outstrips their numerical ability.”

How can you help?

• Encourage students to practice basic number skills. Addition/Subtraction/Multiplication/Division are essential skills needed on every single question.

• Equip the students to succeed. 2/3rd of the papers are dedicated to using a calculator, so if possible, give them the tools they need.

• Encourage them to be proactive about their learning. Maths club/breaktimes/afterschool drop ins.