5 Things You Need to Know About GCSE Maths
For many of us, the GCSE has changed profoundly since we completed it, and so if your young person is going into years 10 and 11 here are 5 things you need to know:
1. A grade 4 at GCSE is equivalent to a C and it is the ‘pass’ mark for a level 2 qualification.
There’s a bit of confusion around this because the Foundation GCSE used to go up to a C, but now the Foundation GCSE goes up to a grade 5. When they created the new GCSE they put in equivalence at grade 4 to a C. However, they also included a grade 5 which is a high C.
2. A grade 7 is the same as an A.
Again, they drew a line here and made 7 the equivalent grade to an A. The 3 top grades 7,8, 9 would be the same as an A/A* in old money.
3. 1 is the lowest grade and 9 is the top.
Often in other countries 1 is the highest, but not in England and Wales! Here 9 is the top grade. Confusing! The cynic in me thinks it’s so that there can be another grade added if they are concerned about grade inflation.
4. The Maths GCSE is made up of 3 papers
It is made up of 3 papers of 1hr 30 each, one non-calculator, and 2 calculator.
Before the 1-9 GCSE there were two papers for maths GCSE, with increased content they changed it to three papers. With 2 calculator papers you need to make sure your calculator skills are amazing! My videos are on my Youtube channel and watch Calculator Hacks Every GCSE Student Should Know.
5. There are two tiers of papers at GCSE: Foundation and Higher.
When I sat the GCSE there were three tiers, and there was a good overlap. Now they just have the two, but you can get a grade 4 on either paper. That does mean that there are some young people who sit on the overlap of the two papers and it can be hard to know which tier at GCSE Maths they should sit. My advice would be to try both papers and see which one they feel most confident with. Although, if there is a possibility they might get a grade 6 then go for higher.
If you’ve got more questions about the GCSE exams then come over to Education Support for Parents, my free Facebook group. We have teachers and tutors giving free advice in our community.