Summary of proposed changes to GCSE Mathematics

Changes to Format/Administration

  • Grades 8 to 1 (not corresponding to A* to G – aim is to even out the distribution more)
  • Still tiered; still “overlapping” tiers but degree of overlap may well change
  • Assessment by terminal examination only;  minimum assessment time 3.5 hours
  • No “SPAG” marks in Mathematics
  • Still Nov resit – but considering Year 12 and older only to prevent early/repeated entry
  • Detailed feedback in each area unlikely

Changes to Content

GCSE Mathematics_final - gcse mathematics_final.pdf
More formulae need to be recalled including:

  • Volume/surface area of a cone and sphere
  • Volume of a prism
  • Area of a trapezium
  • Sine/Cosine Rules and Area of a non-right angled triangle
  • The quadratic formula
  • Velocity and acceleration

Additional material

  • Algebra
    • Kinematics (three “suvat” equations are given)
    • Error intervals using inequality notation
    • Function notation including composition of two functions/inverses; construct and apply functions to problems
    • Graph of y=kx for positive integer k
    • Identify and interpret gradients, roots, intercepts, turning points of quadratic functions graphically; deduce roots algebraically and turning points by completing the square
    • Quadratic inequalities, including solution sets in set notation
    • Nth term of a quadratic sequence
    • More graphs including exponential, piece-wise; problem solving e.g. kinematic problems, financial graphs; calculating area under graphs
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change
    • Rates of change, represented graphically and algebraically.
  • Geometry
    • Identify, describe and construct shapes transformed by stretch parallel to an axis; identify invariant points and lines of each transformation
    • Apply circle theorems in geometric proofs (as well as proving the theorems themselves)
    • Construct geometric arguments and proofs using vectors
    • Describe changes and invariance after a combination of transformations
  • Probability
    • Conditional probability; using Venn diagrams and the formulae P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A and B), P(A and B) = P(A given B)P(A)
    • Calculating lines of best fit
    • Expected outcomes compared to long-run averages
  • Statistics
    • Interpolate and extrapolate trends

Thanks to Ian Davies, the ARK Network Lead for Mathematics, for compiling this information.

More information
GCSE subject content and assessment objectives
Consultation on GCSE subject content and assessment objectives

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3 Replies to “Summary of proposed changes to GCSE Mathematics”

  1. Good summary, how do you feel about it? I think the new topics are a good step forward, but was hoping more set theory would be brought in, as well as group theory and an introduction to calculus. I don’t see the benefit of changing grades from letters to numbers and feel it will cause confusion.

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