Mathmatics

The IGCSE Mathematics course seeks to nurture pupils’ powers of reasoning, creativity, abstract or spatial thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication skills within a broad and stimulating syllabus. Recent specification changes in other subjects have seen an increase in the Mathematics content not only in the Sciences but also the likes of Geography, Design and Technology and Computer Science, so the work we cover will help pupils succeed across a range of disciplines, both now and in the future. Pupils in set 1 will also work towards an Extended Mathematics award, which is specifically designed to extend, enrich and deepen their understanding.

Where can this subject take you? 

As well as feeding directly into Mathematics and Further Mathematics as A level options, Mathematics plays a key role in the IBDP and can also be an option within the IBCP. Physics, Chemistry and Biology all have mathematical elements to them but so too do Geography, Design Technology, Business Studies, Economics and Psychology. Beyond Sixth Form and into Further Education and future careers, Mathematics is so interwoven into the fabric of our lives that having sound mathematical skills is often a requirement for most career paths. 

Course Content/Structure 

The IGCSE course is built around four areas of Mathematics: Number, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability. 

The syllabus builds on work done in previous years and focuses upon improving fundamental skills, such as manipulation of algebraic expressions, problems with fractions and percentages, analysis of data, drawing and interpreting graphs, calculations with a variety of areas and volumes through to developing higher-level thinking including algebraic and geometrical proofs, transformations of functions and trigonometrical challenges, as well as introducing advanced concepts such as calculus.

Assessment

The Mathematics IGCSE is examined at two levels, Higher Tier and Foundation Tier, each with its own clearly defined targets, although both tiers mix question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems, and the mathematical demand increases as a pupil progresses through a paper. 

Irrespective of tier, there are two papers each of two hours in length and of equal weighting. Calculators can be used in each paper, and there is no specific content difference between the two papers. 

For those who sit the Foundation Tier, we will also consider other courses (such as Functional Skills), which may allow pupils to show a better level of understanding and ability if their way of thinking and approaching Mathematics better suits these courses. These decisions will be considered on a pupil-by-pupil basis with full consultation with parents and pupils throughout. 

As above, the Level 2 Extended Mathematics Certificate is available to pupils in Set 1. 

All pupils will study elements of this, and, as we progress through Year 11, those pupils who show a particular interest in and aptitude for the content will study the full course and have the opportunity to gain the full qualification at the end of the year alongside their main Mathematics IGCSE. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
EDEXCEL IGCSE (Mathematics A) 
EDEXCEL Level 2 Extended Mathematics Certificate

Head of Department:
Paul Pavlou – pjp@rydeschool.net