Mathematics

Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1

Content

The IGCSE Mathematics course allows students to explore a wide range of concepts, from forming and solving quadratic equations to an introduction to calculus and set notation, whilst building on ideas for Years 7 and 8 through transformations, rearranging formulae and drawing straight line graphs. This is only a small sample of the topics covered in this extensive course. Students already began the IGCSE Mathematics course at the start of Year 9, with all of the topics covered between Year 9 and 11 forming the examinable content, but they will begin to find that new content is explored in increasing depth, with a focus on problem solving and combining their knowledge of previous topics.

There will also be the potential for some students in Year 11 set 1 to explore some additional topics beyond the IGCSE course with a view to taking an additional qualification - AQA Level 2 Further Maths. This will be particularly useful for those wishing to study Further Mathematics A Level, as it will act as a bridge between IGCSE and A Level and provide additional stretch and challenge in Year 11.

Assessment

Students are assessed regularly, usually towards the end of each half term. These marks are used to create the attainment scores across each year and for independent target setting and response from students. This is crucial in a subject that continues to build on previous knowledge to the extent that Mathematics does.

The final written examination consists of two papers and a scientific calculator is required for both. Each examination is two hours long. There is no coursework or controlled assessment for IGCSE Mathematics.

Teaching Methodology

Mathematics lessons often include some teacher explanations and examples, alongside a range of activities to practise the new concept for that lesson. This could include the use of matching tasks, mini whiteboards or formal written practice using textbooks and worksheets. It is essential that students develop their problem solving and written communication skills as they move towards their IGCSE examinations, so we include lots of practice of these elements across our lessons.

Dr Frost Maths is used for revision purposes and for some homework. Students have homework books, which will be used for further written practice.

graphs or constructions using rulers, compasses and protractors.

Co-curricular and Enrichment

All students in Year 10 are entered annually for the UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge and there are opportunities for keen mathematicians to compete against other schools in the Hans Woyda team, which trains in Forder time in the Michaelmas Term. Year 10s are then able to attend Maths Challenge Club in Lent Term to prepare for another inter school team competition, the FMSP Maths Feast. Advanced Maths clubs run in Years 10 and 11 to introduce students to concepts beyond the curriculum and allow them to develop their mathematical communication skills. In Year 11, this club also delivers some of the content required for the AQA Further Maths Level 2 qualification, which is available for set 1 students to enter. Chess and Go club are also available, which assist with logical and strategic thinking.

Progression after IGCSE

The IGCSE course offers a strong foundation for students to progress to A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, both of which are linear courses, with no coursework elements. We offer the OCR (MEI) specification, which emphasises the practical use of mathematics to solve problems in industry.

These A Levels offer students an opportunity to explore mathematical concepts in far greater depth and build on their love of problem solving whilst exploring abstract concepts alongside their real-life applications. Hans Woyda club continues, along with additional mathematics lectures and advanced maths clubs to explore concepts beyond the scope of the course and prepare students for Mathematics courses at university.