Part of the core curriculum
GCSE Mathematics is taken by all Fifth year pupils.
Top set
Those in the top set have already begun a course designed to prepare them to tackle Higher or AS-Level in the Sixth year. They must expect a degree of abstraction and an emphasis on algebraic topics and problem solving. They will complete most of their GCSE course by the end of the Fourth year and then embark on preparation for taking the Additional Mathematics FSQ simultaneously with GCSE. This qualification provides a proper introduction to Mathematics at post-GCSE level for those who will continue to AS-Level or Higher, but is also a worthwhile and enriching, certified, course, in its own right, for those who will not take the subject further. Pupils must, of course, maintain their familiarity with the GCSE syllabus, but it is hoped that targets will rather be enhanced than otherwise by the progression to more advanced work, and the edge created should increase the ability of our ablest pupils to aspire successfully to competitive University places.
Other sets
For the other sets, the initial priority is a good degree of competence in everyday mathematics; the course will seek to establish a firm foundation on which further post-GCSE qualifications could be built if desired (Intermediate 2, Higher or A-Level).
Progression
Those gaining an A* or A grade in the Higher Tier papers will have the option of Higher or AS-Level courses in the Sixth year. Those with B grades fi nd the step up to SQA Higher challenging and consideration should be given to using the Intermediate 2 course as a foundation year, as must be done by all those gaining C grades at GCSE and wishing to progress further.
Mathematics GCSE Course
Assessment
Those in the third set will have the opportunity to sample Higher Tier work in the Fourth year and to judge their capability for themselves. Recommendations will be made as to the most appropriate level of presentation before the Fifth year begins. |
Course content
RevisionThe recommended Revision Guide is "GCSE Mathematics, The Revision Guide" published by CGP and available for both intermediate and higher level. |
Coursework |
Examination
The Additional Maths FSQ is assessed by a single two-hour paper. |
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Assessment at GCSE is now in two 'Tiers'; it is our intention that our top three sets be entered for the Higher Tier, with its wider syllabus, while the lowest set is presented for the Foundation Tier, for which the maximum grade available is C.
The work for both Tiers is divided between four Assessment Objectives: Number and Algebra; Shape - Space and Measures; Handling Data; Using and Applying Mathematics.
Those taking GCSE in 2008, but not thereafter, will be required to undertake two coursework tasks, set and marked by the board. These are intended to assess the Use and Application of Mathematics and will be carried out under teacher supervision during a specified period of time towards the end of the course. 
The final examination consists of two parallel two-hour papers,in one of which calculators are not permitted, assessing the first three Attainment Targets, weighted in the ratio 2:1:1. This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / maths / gcse.htm
