Mathematics

GCSE Reforms House Life

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL • All GCSE subjects are now graded and assessed using the new 9-1 structure; Planned absence (medical appointments, family events, driving lessons etc.) • 9 is the highest grade, awarded to the very best candidates in the subject. The official definition of a grade-9 candidate is that they will be ‘in the top 20% of those achieving grades 7-9 in the subject’; • 48 hours notice where possible—we need an email from a parent/guardian • Medical appointments are signed off by matron • Non-medical: fill in an absence form—available on the notice board • In every subject, the content is more demanding and the assessment more rigorous than previously;• Mrs Radmann will sign off your form • The assessment will be mainly by exam. In some subjects such as Drama and Art, other types of assessment will be used only where they are needed to test essential skills. For further information about assessment, please speak Unplanned absence (illness, car breakdowns, sudden events etc.) • to the relevant Head of Department. If you are boarding and feel ill please come and tell Matron/Mrs Radmann or ask a friend to get us—any time of the day. Mrs Radmann is here every night so do wake her up. Tiering of exams • If at home, please email / phone the House before 8.20am to let us know you will not be in The new GCSEs are only split into foundation tier and higher tier if one single exam paper does not give all students • Matron can put you ‘off-games’ if you are unwell or injured the opportunity to show their knowledge and abilities. Consequently, exams are tiered in Biology, Chemistry, French, • During the day, if you feel unwell, come back to House and talk to Matron. She will either send you German, Maths, Physics and Spanish.to the Health Centre or contact your parent/guardian if needed MEDICATION: Painkillers and medication cannot be kept by students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th Form; it must be stored with Matron. Sixth Formers need to declare what they have and fill out a form. Never share medication with other students—even if they ask you please. COMPUTERS/EMAIL A Please use computers/ emails /social media sensibly. Remember that what you do on-line is very real. We have an Acceptable Use Policy—do read it so you know what the rules are. Your Houseparent will go through it with you and tell you your logon details. NEVER tell anyone your passwords. Save your work on to the school network - you will then be able to pick it up on any computer in school - or at home! You may bring your own lap-top to school but it is your responsibility to look after it.

New grading structure

Current grading structure

9 A* 8 7 6 B 5 4 C 3 D 2 E F 1 G U U

9 is awarded to those pupils achieving what would currently be a top A*: perhaps at around 96%+

GOOD PASS (DfE) 5 and above = top of C and above Schools are no longer AWARDING assessed on A*-C 4 and above = bottom of C and above statistics, but on ‘9-4’ statistics. Under the updated structure, the ‘good pass’ for Maths and English is a 5, which is on the border between a C and a B under the old system.