SPARK Studies

Maths

The creative industries have always been the playground of the polymath. The creative problem solvers and inventors. Maths is so often about how we realise creative ideas as functioning technology and effective installations. It’s the mathematicians who work it out so it can be costed, engineered and implemented.


Key Stage 4
Maths GCSE

Course Code: Edexcel 1MA1
Specification: Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (2015)

About:

Our Maths GCSE aims to provide pupils with the ability to develop mathematical understanding and reasoning while enabling them to apply problem solving skills to real life contexts, which is essential for everyday life.

We teach the course over 5 hours a week using a variety of different resources including a web-based interactive service (active teach) and a utilise a variety of teaching methods to ensure students learning maximised.

Maths complements all courses on offer at ESA, such as drawing, designing and building sets in Production Arts, coding in Computer Science and supporting the high numeracy content in the new Science specification.

Assessment:

The course covers 5 main areas; Number, Algebra, Data Handling, Geometry, Ratio & Proportion. Within these areas we build on prior knowledge gained in KS3. We offer two different tiers of exam, Higher & Foundation. On the Foundation tier pupils can achieve up to a grade 5, whereas on the Higher tier pupils can achieve anywhere from a level 3 up to a level 9.


Key Stage 5
Maths A-Level

Course Code: Edexcel 603/1333/X
Specification: Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0)

About:

With A Level Maths we aim to deepen pupils understanding of Mathematics and develop their Mathematical reasoning skills.

We look at the proof of well known Mathematical concepts and encourage the logical and systematic solving of problems. Pupils receive 5 hours of contact time per week and are provided with text books & resources for their own independent study.

A-Level Maths is highly prized by many further education institutions and provides a gateway into many varied career paths including accountancy, engineering and finance.

Assessment:

The two year course is assessed via 3 exams in year 13. A Level Maths comprises of 3 topic areas; Core Maths, Mechanics and Statistics.

Core Maths builds on areas of Algebra, Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry learnt at GCSE, Mechanics takes elements of Physics from KS4 and delves into forces and the motion of objects.

Whilst Statistics looks at the application & analysis of different data styles and how we can draw relevant and reliable conclusions from them.