Maths | Hall Green Secondary School

Subjects/Qualifications Offered

GCSE (9-1) Business Studies
GCSE Business Studies (Legacy specification: Current Year 11 only)

Mathematics

The mathematics department consists of eight well-qualified, full-time subject specialist teachers. The department has six specialist mathematics classrooms, all of which are equipped with SMART interactive whiteboards.

Department Aims

We aim to provide all pupils with a broad and balanced mathematics education that adequately equips them for further education and the world of work. As a department, we are committed to delivering the mathematics curriculum effectively, using a variety of media and teaching styles which engage pupils and enable them to achieve their full potential.

We have integrated problem solving, multi-cultural and PSHE tasks into the curriculum both at key stage 3 and 4, promoting the use of mathematics in the world around us. We have also embedded literacy activities into each fortnightly unit of work to promote literacy across the curriculum. These skills have become increasingly important in the new GCSE.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 are taught in their main teaching groups (H, L, G, R, E, N1 and N2) which are banded groups based on pupils’ year 6 English and mathematics SATs results. Year 8 are set according to mathematical ability and there is opportunity for movement between sets at key times through the year if necessary. We track pupil progress based on whether they are meeting the learning objectives appropriate for their ability.

Key Stage 4

Pupils are set into their GCSE maths sets at the start of year 9; sets 1 to 5 generally study the Higher tier, and sets 6 to 8 study the Foundation tier. Pupils follow the Grade 1-9 Edexcel Linear 1MA1 course which is split into Higher (grades 4-9) and Foundation (grades 1-5). There are three papers in this examination; a non-calculator paper (worth ⅓ of the marks) and two calculator papers (worth ⅓ of the marks each) to be sat at the end of year 11. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

Some pupils in year 11 will also be entered for an Entry Level maths qualification.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

High ability pupils are entered for the Junior (years 7 and 8) or Intermediate (years 9, 10 and 11) UKMT Maths Challenge; this is a national multiple choice problem solving exam run by the University of Leeds. Each year a group of year 9 pupils compete against other schools in the South Area Network Maths Competition. Year 9 pupils also have the opportunity to enter the Edge Hill University competition. Pupils across KS3 are involved in maths activities and competitions during the Hall Green Games at the end of the summer term.

Current Programme of Study

The reformed 9-1 GCSE has the following programme of study:

Year 10- Investigating small business.
Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity.
Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice.
Topic 1.4 Making the business effective.
Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business.

Year 11- Building a business.
Topic 2.1 Growing the business.
Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions.
Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions.
Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions
Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions

The legacy GCSE (A*-G) has the following programme of study:

Unit 1 Introduction to Small Business.
Unit 2 Investigating Small Business.
Unit 3 Building a Business.

How will they be assessed?

Edexcel 9-1 GCSE

Year 10: End of topic tests (mid-year progress checks) and a mock examination in June
Year 11: End of topic tests (mid-year progress checks) and two formal Summer examinations (50% per paper)

Paper 1: Investigating small business. 1hr 30 mins (90 marks). 50% of overall grade.
Paper 2: Building a business. 1hr 30 mins (90 marks). 50% of overall grade.

Legacy A*-G GCSE (Current Year 11 only)

Unit 1: Introduction to Small Business. 45 mins (40 marks). 25% of overall grade.

Unit 2 Investigating Small Business. Controlled Assessment task, completed and marked internally (40 marks). 25% of overall grade.

Unit 3 Building a Business. 1hr 30mins (90 marks). 50% of overall grade.