Adult & Higher Education

GCSE Mathematics is an essential qualification for many types of employment, with  employers preferring applicants to have a Grade 4 / C or above. University entry also often requires Grade 4 / C or above in GCSE Maths and English. It is preferable to have these qualifications when applying for A-Level or Access to Higher Education courses.

This course is aimed at those students who are looking to improve their employment prospects; to those applying to university or PGCE courses as well as to parents who want to improve their own numeracy skills in order to help their children. Students have to be aged 19+, or 16 and above if they are also enrolled in a full-time course at AHED. This qualification is FREE if you do not already have a grade 4 / C or above.

GCSE Mathematics AQA is a one-year linear course running from September to June with three external exams at the end of the course. One paper is non-calculator and the other two are calculator. Each paper is 1.5 hours long and each is worth a third of the total marks.

The exam can be taken at either Foundation Level (Grades 1 – 5) or Higher Level (Grades 4 – 9). Grade 4 approximates to the former Grade C. Please note that the level to be taken will decided upon discussion with your tutor towards the end of the first term.

Students will learn to work efficiently with a calculator and gain confidence in their basic maths skills. Topics include statistics and number, data collection, data presentation, data interpretation and probability. Learners will also cover areas such as algebra, fractions, decimals, percentages, equations and geometry, amongst others.

The course is divided into 6 main topic areas all tested in the three end-of-course exams:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measures
• Probability
• Statistics  - here, students will develop a knowledge and understanding of:
  • problem solving
  • reasoning
  • applying maths in context
  • the functional elements of Maths.

You will be invited to come in for a screening before the start of the GCSE Maths course to ensure you are placed in the correct level class.

All students will need to purchase a text book to be used during the lessons and for homework: AQA GCSE Maths for Post 16 by Fiona Mapp (Collins)  ISBN-13: 978-000-822-721-0. You will also be asked to buy certain mathematical equipment.

Students may wish to progress onto Maths A-Level or an Access to Higher Education Diploma Course. Alternatively students may be able to progress in their jobs through promotion or a career change.