COURSE DESCRIPTION - GCSE MATHEMATICS

Course Specification

This specification is for a full GCSE in Mathematics, AQA code 4306* (Linear). The course is offered at Foundation Tier and Higher Tier. Foundation Tier makes available grades C to G and Higher Tier grades A* to D.
*AQA code 4306 is the revised Maths GCSE without coursework introduced in September 2007.

Course Overview & Content

The course requires that students demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following:
AO1 Using and Applying Mathematics

  1. Problem solving
  2. Communicating
  3. Reasoning

AO2 Number and Algebra

    • Using and applying numbers and algebra
    • Numbers and the number system
    • Calculations
    • Solving numerical problems
    • Equations, formulae and identities
    • Sequences, functions and graphs

AO3 Shape, Space and Measures

  1. Using and applying shape, space and measures
  2. Geometrical reasoning
  3. Transformations and coordinates
  4. Measures and construction

AO4 Handling Data

  1. Using and applying handling data
  2. Specifying the problem and planning
  3. Collecting data
  4. Processing and representing data
  5. Interpreting and discussing results

The Assessment Objective AO1 (Using and Applying Mathematics) is assessed in contexts provided by the other Assessment Objectives.
The full specification and teachers’ guide are available on the AQA website:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-4306-W-SP-09.PDF

Coursework Requirements

Students who will be sitting their exam in June 2009 will not be required to submit coursework as this element of the specification has been withdrawn.

Examination Procedures

Students sitting their exam in June 2009 will sit two papers, each worth 50% of the total marks;
Paper 1: Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (Foundation), 2 hours (Higher) and is a non-calculator paper.
Paper 2:  Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (Foundation), 2 hours (Higher) and is a calculator paper.