Do you need to update your CV? Did you not achieve your Maths qualification through school? Are you 19 years old or over? The one-year Maths GCSE course will be taught at Foundation Tier – the funding is given to enable you to gain a grade 4 or 5, within one academic year, (equivalent to the old C grade). General content headings are number, algebra, ratio proportion and rates of change, geometry and measure, probability, statistics. The majority of the course will cover the Foundation syllabus; the tutor will use Higher Tier extension materials where appropriate and the college offers learners the option to be entered into the Higher Tier exams, however this option requires learners to independently study in their own time. The course runs mostly online throughout the year; attendance includes seven Saturday day schools which are face to face, in centre.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the whole year course you will have the opportunity to:

• develop a positive attitude to mathematics;
• consolidate basic skills and meet appropriately challenging work;
• apply mathematical knowledge and understanding to solve problems;
• think and communicate mathematically – precisely, logically and creatively;
• appreciate the place and use of mathematics in society;
• apply mathematical concepts to situations arising in their own lives;
• understand the interdependence of different branches of mathematics;
• acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively;
• acquire a firm foundation for further study.

Please note: as with all new-style GCSEs, grades A* – U have been replaced with levels 9 – 1.
Level 4 is a ‘standard pass’ (equivalent to the old grade C); a level 5 is a ‘good pass’.
Foundation tier: grades 1 to 5. Higher tier: grades 4 to 9.

The course runs mostly online throughout the year; attendance includes seven Saturday day schools which are face to face, in centre. (A full schedule of dates will be given out on the first session).

There will be 22 live-streamed Saturday sessions of 3 hours; PLUS – seven face-to-face SATURDAYS: 20 Nov / 4 Dec / 8 Jan / 29 Jan / 26 Mar / 23 Apr / 14 May PLUS 20 hours mandatory homework content

Day and Time: Saturdays (live-stream) 09.30 – 12.30 / Saturdays (in centre) 10.00 – 15.00
Start Date: 9th October 2021
No of weeks: 22 online Saturdays plus 7 Saturdays in centre, plus 20 hours online
Terms: Autumn, Spring, Summer
Course fee: £730 / Funded (Funded places are available for learners if certain criteria are met)

This course will be held as a mixture of live-streamed sessions weekly on a Saturday, and seven Saturdays face to face at Coleridge Community College; to participate in live-streamed online classes, you will need an email address, a reliable internet connection, a computer/laptop/tablet with fully updated browser. Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera.
The course will be taught as a linear course and certification is available in May/June 2022, the qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers. All three papers must be at the same tier of entry and must be completed in May/June 2022. Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Paper 1 is a non-calculator exam; a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3.

GCSE maths is expected to take between 120 and 140 hours of study – you will attend live-streamed classes for 65 hours, in centre for 35 hours and complete an additional 20 hours mandatory homework/assessed content – through set homework tasks which will be marked and are a compulsory part of the course. Some of you will need to spend more time self-studying certain topics to bring your skills up to the required level. You are required to have independent study skills, and to set yourself appropriate goals and targets.
The course is fully funded by Cambridgeshire Skills – full attendance is required. You will complete an enrolment form, so that funding can be applied for; you will also need to provide your National Insurance number and show a form of photographic ID (passport, driving licence etc.). Failure to meet these criteria means that funding is withdrawn and you will be liable for the full cost of the course. You will be assessed through the lessons and by homework. Live-streamed Saturday sessions are 3 hours long, face to face in centre Saturdays are 5 hours long.

PLEASE NOTE: GCSE exams will take place during the day at Coleridge Community College. The dates are published by the exam board and all candidates must sit the exam then. Dates will be confirmed at the beginning of the course – expect to book leave / holiday from work / childcare as needed.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

You should have studied Mathematics to Functional Skills Level 2 or have a recent GCSE Grade D (or equivalent).
Please speak to the office if you have O-levels / CSEs or qualifications from outside the UK.
You are required to complete an initial assessment / screening of maths levels prior to enrolment on the course – please telephone the office on 01223 712340 to make an appointment.

Access Arrangements for Exams / Learning Difficulties

The exam board has very specific requirements for those who need access arrangements for exams (additional time, laptops, modified papers). It is your responsibility to inform us at your initial assessment. Failure to do this may delay the application with the exam board (please note such arrangements are only granted for 3 years).

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment
All learners: Textbook – approx. cost £20 available from www.cgpbooks.co.uk
Mathematics for GCSE Foundation level for the Grade 9 – 1 course ISBN: 978-1-78294-438-6

This book will be used throughout the course to deliver the Foundation syllabus, it is essential learners purchase a copy.

There are higher tier resources available from CGP books, should you choose to study the additional topics covered in the Higher Tier syllabus.

You will also need a scientific calculator – suggested type CASIO fx-85GT PLUS approx. £11

You will need a maths set comprising of compass, protractor and ruler etc. but we will discuss this at the first session.

There are higher tier resources available from CGP books, should you choose to study the additional topics covered in the Higher Tier syllabus.

You will also need a scientific calculator – suggested type CASIO fx-85GT PLUS approx. £11
You will need a maths set consisting of compass, protractor and ruler etc. but we will discuss this at the first session.

Examination Fees:

Examination costs will be included in the cost of the course.

For the first session you will need to bring:
Notebook and pen, we will discuss which calculator to get.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Progress to a post GCSE course – further / higher education, employment, volunteering or GCE A level.
The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.