Maths GCSE (c grade)

Entry Requirements:

You should already have basic Numeracy skills as per the Adult Core Curriculum Level 1.  You do not need to have taken GCSE maths in the past in order to join this course. However you do need to have very sound basic maths skills, including knowing your times tables by heart, being able to perform both long multiplication and short division confidently. You should also have some understanding of fractions, decimals, percentages and metric measurement.

The Examinations:

The GCSE Maths (C grade) consists of two exams,

each worth 50% of the final GCSE mark.

These exams are taken on nationally set days in late May/early June

• non- calculator paper (1½ hours long)
• calculator paper (1½ hours long)

Classes:

There is one 3 hour lesson each week and there are two groups:

Tuesday 6.30pm-9.30pm at the North Kingston Centre (OLCSN1)or

Thursday 9.30 – 12.30am at King Charles Centre (OLCSK2)

In addition to your weekly class you are offered the opportunity to attend extra sessions when available at the Open Learning Centre to support your studies. Times and days available can be discussed with your tutor at the beginning of your course.

The topics:

The topics fall into 4 main areas: Number, Shape and Space, Algebra and Data Handling.

Books and equipment:

Textbook - Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Foundation, published by Heinemann (ISBN number 978-0-435534-08-0) price £16.99

Scientific Calculator (this will be discussed at the start of the course)

Geometry Set

Time managmenent:

In addition to attending ALL the classes you will need to put aside approximately 4 hours a week for homework and extra study.

Please ensure that you have sufficient free time to put in this extra work before you apply to join the course

Preparation for the course:

You will need to have basic Numeracy skills as per the Adult Core Curriculum Level 1.  As a very rough guide, you will need to know all your times tables by heart, be able to perform long multiplication and long division, be fairly confident at dealing with the following: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion and metric measurement (all without a calculator!)

Due to the time constraints of the course, and the number of topics to get through, we just do not have the time to spend very long on these basic number skills, so brush up on them as soon as possible.

How do I enrol?:

You must complete a GCSE assessment at the Open Learning Centre (OLC) which will be marked by a tutor.  A Registration form will then be issued which will enable you to enrol at any Kingston Adult Education Centre during office hours.

Please note: priority enrolments will be given to current OLC learners.  Short numeracy courses are available at the Open Learning Centre in the Summer term and will enable you to brush up on your maths skills and take a free National Numeracy Test in preparation for the GCSE Maths course.