Mathematics

INTENT

For Entry Level Certificate (ELC) Mathematics at Work Skills Learning (WSL), we follow the Edexcel specification. Our Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics has specifically been designed to complement the GCSE (9-1) Mathematics qualification, enabling lower attainers to develop the underpinning mathematical skills and understanding to provide a progression route to GCSE Mathematics.

Programmes:

Entry Level 1 content

The specification content covers the following twelve topics:

Entry Level 2 content

The specification content covers the following fourteen topics:

Entry Level 3 content

The specification content covers all seventeen topics:

The planner can be used for a group of students working towards different ELC levels so that Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3 are taught together. However, it can also be used for a group of students who are all working towards the same level.

This planner is designed to allow students in the group to aim at different ELC levels, but it is straightforward to use the planner to teach groups where all students are aiming at the same level.

Implementation

At Work Skills Learning ELC lessons are interactive, challenging and fun – with all students fully engaged. There are plenty of maths resources available for our students to help picture abstract maths concepts in the real world, including:

Impact

Each student will complete the module and do external assessment by Edexcel.

All components are internally assessed by the teacher and then moderated by Edexcel. Each component is marked out of 30, giving a total mark out of 240 for the whole portfolio. The outcomes are awarded from level 1 to level 3.

INTENT

The GCSE Maths curriculum at WSL is based on what the students need to know by the end of Key Stage 4 as directed by the National Curriculum. Students study Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Higher/Foundation tier specification. This is assessed by three examinations: one non-calculator and two calculators. The GCSE mathematics course builds on the areas of mathematics which pupils have already studied in Years 7 and 8. The subject content includes:

Pupils also continue to develop their skills in using and applying mathematics by completing investigations and Maths challenge questions. All pupils are exposed to work that extends and enriches the curriculum beyond the normal GCSE, including Further Maths and A Level topics. Functional Skills Level 1/Level 2 can be studied as an alternative to GCSEs. This is particularly ideal for people who could not achieve a grade 4 at GCSE.

Implementation

At WSL, pupils will master concepts at their own level of understanding and pace. Those who grasp concepts quickly will move on to secure and deepen their understanding sooner, whilst students who are not sufficiently fluent yet will consolidate their understanding with additional practice and support.
Each lesson follows our four stages:

Gaps in previously taught content may also be addressed for individuals.

Impact

The progress that pupils make over time is clear evidence of the impact of teaching and learning.

At Work Skills Learning, the Maths Curriculum is measured by a combination of formative assessment:

and summative assessment carried out at the end of each topic.

INTENT

Sixth-form pupils at Work Skills Learning School study the Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics specification.

KS5 is split into Mathematics and Further Mathematics, both of which are further split into Core and Applied topics. The complexity of study increases, and students engage with new mathematical concepts and methods, such as the binomial theorem.

KS5 invites pupils to enhance the breadth and depth of their mathematical knowledge covering pure math, mechanics and statistics with a deeper emphasis on developing and accessing reasoning, problem-solving skills and modelling.

A Level Mathematics challenges pupils to gain mastery in their subject in order to fully develop the skills required to study Mathematics, in any sense, at higher education.

A Level Further Mathematics course is broader and deeper than A-level Mathematics and introduces new mathematical concepts that have wide applications in engineering, physical sciences, economics and computing.

Implementation

At Work Skills Learning, we implement our curriculum through using a variety of teaching approaches and tasks:

• Thorough course planning and schemes of work
• Assessing students’ prior understanding
• Address misconceptions and holes in GCSE knowledge
• Providing strong foundations for the next stage of their mathematical journey
• Support for problem-solving, modelling and large data sets.
• Preparing for exams through past papers and mock tests to identify the topics and skills where further learning is required and summative assessment carried out at the end of each topic.

Impact

The A-Level examinations are made up of three papers:

• Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1
• Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2
• Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year. This allows our students to find an apprenticeship or go on to further education.

Edexcel Further Mathematics is split into two qualifications:

• AS Further Maths (8FM0) – typically taken in Year 12
• A Level Further Maths (9FM0) – a full two‑year qualification

Both qualifications assess Core Pure Mathematics plus a selection of optional applied modules such as Further Pure, Further Mechanics, Further Statistics, and Decision Mathematics.