Maths

Exam Board

Pearson’s Edexcel

 

Why do I have to study Maths? 

Studying GCSE Maths is important because it develops essential life skills like budgeting, measuring, and problem-solving. Many careers and apprenticeships require at least a pass in maths, and it’s often necessary for further education. It also boosts logical thinking, which helps in various subjects and everyday decision-making. Additionally, many jobs, including teaching, nursing, and engineering, require maths qualifications. Even if you don’t enjoy it, having a solid maths foundation keeps future opportunities open.

 

How will I be examined?

You will be examined by doing a set of 3 papers. Each paper is work 80 marks and has a duration of 1hour 30 minutes. The Foundation paper will cover grade 1-5 topics and higher grade 4-9. You will sit them in the following order.

 

Paper 1 – Non Calculator

Paper 2 – Calculator

Paper 3 – calculator

 

What will I study?

The topics covered in higher and foundation vary. These are the following topics that will be covered.

Foundation

Higher

Grade 1:

·      Addition and subtraction

·      Multiplication and division

·      Time

·      Writing, simplifying and ordering fractions

·      Place values

·      Rounding values

·      Negative numbers

·      Factors and  multiples

·      Powers and roots

·      BIDMAS

·      Coordinates

·      Pictograms

Grade 2:

·      Calculation problems

·      Using a calculator

·      Fractions of amounts

·      Fraction decimals and percentages

·      Simplifying algebra

·      Writing an expression

·      Function machines

·      Angles in 2D shapes

·      Area and perimeter

·      Probability

·      Frequency polygon

·      Averages

·      Bar charts

·      Stem and leaf  diagrams

·      Pie charts

·      Solving one step equations

·      Systematic listing – outcomes of choices

Grade 3:

·      Error intervals

·      Fractions

·      Estimation

·      Writing and simplifying ratios

·      Ratios

·      Proportion

·      Percentages

·      Percentage change

·      Exchange rates

·      Conversions and units

·      Scale drawing

·      Best buy questions

·      Substitution

·      Solving equations

·      Drawing graphs

·      Area and circumference of circles

·      Transformations

·      Area of compound shapes

·      Frequency trees

·      Two way tables

Grade 4:

·      Compound interest and depreciation

·      Indices

·      Prime factors, HCF and LCM

·      Distance Time Graph

·      Inequalities

·      Forming and solving equations

·      Sequences nth term,

·      Expanding and factorising

·      Pythagoras

·      Angles in parallel lines

·      Angles in polygons

·      Surface area

·      Volume of prisms

·      Cylinder

·      Loci and construction

·      Bearings

·      Plans and elevations

·      Averages from frequency tables

·      Probability- relative frequency

·      Scatter graph

Grade 5:

·      Ratio, Fraction and Decimals

·      Reverse Percentages

·      Standard Form

·      Rearranging the formula

·      Expanding and factorising simple quadratics

·      Speed and Density

·      Drawing cubic and reciprocal graphs

·      Solving simultaneous graphs graphically

·      Midpoint of a segment

·      Equation of a line

·      Sphere and cones

·      Sector areas and arc length

·      Trigonometry – SOH CAH TOA

·      Trigonometric Values

·      Vectors

·      Probability Trees

·      Venn Diagrams

·      Direct and inverse proportionality – basic

·      Ratio to linear function

·      Similar shapes - lengths

·      Solving and factorising basic quadratics

 

Grade 4:

·      Compound interest and depreciation

·      Indices

·      Prime factors, HCF and LCM

·      Distance Time Graph

·      Inequalities

·      Forming and solving equations

·      Sequences nth term,

·      Expanding and factorising

·      Pythagoras

·      Angles in parallel lines

·      Angles in polygons

·      Surface area

·      Volume of prisms

·      Cylinder

·      Loci and construction

·      Bearings

·      Plans and elevations

·      Averages from frequency tables

·      Probability- relative frequency

·      Scatter graph

Grade 5:

·      Ratio, Fraction and Decimals

·      Reverse Percentages

·      Standard Form

·      Rearranging the formula

·      Expanding and factorising simple quadratics

·      Speed and Density

·      Drawing cubic and reciprocal graphs

·      Solving simultaneous graphs graphically

·      Midpoint of a segment

·      Equation of a line

·      Sphere and cones

·      Sector areas and arc length

·      Trigonometry – SOH CAH TOA

·      Trigonometric Values

·      Vectors

·      Probability Trees

·      Venn Diagrams

·      Direct and inverse proportionality – basic

·      Ratio to linear function

·      Similar shapes - lengths

·      Solving and factorising basic quadratics

Grade 6:

·      Recurring decimal to fractions

·      Fractional and negative indices

·      Product rule for counting

·      Repeated percentage change

·      Expanding triple brackets

·      Parallel and perpendicular lines

·      Inequalities on a graph

·      Similar shapes- area and volume

·      Enlargement with negative scale factor

·      Circle theorems

·      Cumulative frequency

·      Boxplots – IQ range and Median

·      Boxplots from Cumulative graphs

·      Factorising and solving harder Quadratics​

·      Exponential Graphs ​

·      Solving and drawing inequalities

Grade 7:

·      Inverse and composite functions​

·      Iteration ​

·      Surds- simplify

·      ​Surds- rationalise

·      Surds- expand ​

·      Algebraic fractions – simplify and solve

·      Rearranging the formula - difficult

·      Drawing trig graphs ​

·      Sine and Cosine rule ​

·      Area using SINE rule

·      Congruent Triangles and Proof​

·      3D Pythagoras and Trigonometry ​

·      Bounds

·      Direct and inverse proportionality – difficult squares and cubes

·      Conditional Probability

·      Histograms – draw and interpret

·      Quadratic formula

Grade 8 & 9:

·      Quadratic Simultaneous Equations

·      Completing the Square

·      Algebra Proof

·      Nth term Quadratics

·      Quadratics inequalities

·      Transformation of F(x) graphs

·      Velocity and Time Graphs

·      Proof Of circle Theorems

·      Vectors and Proofs

·      Perpendicular lines and equation of tangents

·      Probability equations questions

 

 

Recommended text books, additional reading 

  • Pearson’s Higher and Foundation Textbook

  • Collins GCSE Maths Higher and Foundation textbook

  • CGP higher and foundation revision guides

 

Recommended online resources

 

Department contact:

Head of Maths

Leena Fahmida – Leena.Fahmida@londonenterpriseacademy.org

 

2iC – Mathematic and Computing

Wehelie Khalif – Wehelie.Khalif@londonenterpriseacademy.org