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Mathematics GCSE

This compulsory course is suitable for those students who have previously gained grade 2 or 3 in GCSE Mathematics and who would like to achieve a grade 4 or 5. Please note that anyone who has achieved a grade 2 or 3 in GCSE Mathematics is automatically enrolled onto this course. Students will have the opportunity of taking the GCSE Foundation Exam in November and if required, the following summer.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board OCR
Level Level 2
Qualification GCSE
Assessment Method 100% Exam (Calculator and Non-Calculator)
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student holding a calculator

Starting in September students will study for 5 periods per week during an intensive 8 week course up to the first re-sit opportunity in early November. During this period a lot of content is covered and students will be expected to start revising within the first couple of weeks. After the November exams students will start a more extensive course, again for 5 periods per week, that will then run through to May.

Once exam results are available in early January those students who have achieved a grade 4 or 5 will be allowed to leave the course, while those students who do not achieve this grade continue and take a further re-sit in June. All content covered during the year will be similar to that students have studied in previous years at Secondary School, but a particular focus is placed on making minimal mistakes and picking up understanding of topics that students have found difficult in the past.

Topics covered are divided up into four sections:

  • Algebra
  • Shape, Space and Measure
  • Number
  • Data Handling

Mathematics is a core subject and as such is necessary for any student considering applying for an academic course at university. Maths is valued by employers with skills in numeracy and problem solving being highly sought after.

News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Our Ex-Principal Ambrose Smith has kindly delivered a lecture about the dangers of climate change to all L6 students through the RE programme. In the spirit of ‘Laudato Si’ and our call to care for our common home, Ambrose reminded students of the scientific facts of climate change, particularly focussing on the absorption of infrared […]

Photograph of Ambrose Smith delivering a talk on climate change

Aquinas College was honoured to welcome Cardinal Giorgio Marengo for a special talk and Q&A session with students from Aquinas and St James. Cardinal Marengo, who serves in Mongolia, shared stories from his ministry and spoke openly about faith, community, and his experiences working in a very different cultural and social context. Students listened attentively […]

Photograph of cardinal Cardinal Giorgio Marengo answering questions from students.

This year our Feast Day celebration was dedicated to working for the common good whilst living life to the full. We marked this celebration as part of a theme week with several special moments including a Feast Day competition with amazing prizes, a sporting event led by our PE department and a bake sale led […]

Photograph of students and staff attending a feast service in the chapel.

Adam Swayne, Deputy Head of School of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music visited college on Thursday 15th January. A group of music students performed and received excellent detailed coaching and guidance on how to improve their performance. This is particularly timely for upper sixth students who will have their A Level […]

Photograph of a student receiving tuition from the Royal Northern College of Music