Kirk Balk School Mathematics Department How GCSE Modular Maths works
All pupils at Kirk Balk School are entered for Maths GCSE. Pupils follow the OCR Modular Maths GCSE syllabus. The work towards the GCSE starts immediately after the SATs Exams in late May of year 9. Modular Maths means that pupils now have to complete 5 smaller 'modules' spread over 2 years rather than relying on one final exam at the end of year 11. The 5 'modules' consist of:
* In late 2006 the Government announced that pupils starting in year 10 in September 2007 and below will not be required to do coursework in Maths. (Coursework will remain a part of the GCSE Statistics course). The two module tests will each be worth 25% of the final mark. The module tests The module tests are graduated: module 1 is the easiest; module 10 is the most difficult. Pupils take the ones most suited to their ability. Pupils are allowed to take more than two module tests and are also allowed to re-sit each module a maximum of once. The best two marks are counted. The module tests are taken on set dates in late January, mid-March and late June of each year. Date of the next module tests>> The coursework tasks The coursework takes place during normal maths lessons. Pupils will also be expected to spend a good number of hours working on their coursework at home. The first task involves number and algebra. The second task involves handling data (i.e. Statistics). Pupils complete this work during year 10 and the early part of year 11. Both coursework tasks have to be completed well before a pupil takes the terminal exam. In late 2006 the Government announced that pupils currently in year 9 or below will not be required to do coursework in Maths. (Coursework will remain a part of the GCSE Statistics course). The school has not yet received details of what will replace the coursework. The terminal exam To receive a final GCSE Maths certificate pupils have to sit a terminal exam. This is taken during the main GCSE exams in early June of year 11. Date of the next terminal exam >> The decision on which terminal exam pupils are entered for is made in February prior to the date of the terminal exam. Pupils currently in year 11 sit one of three graded terminal exams. Pupils currently in year 10 or below sit one of two graded terminal exams. Which of the terminal exams pupils take depends on how well they have done in the module tests and coursework and what their target GCSE Maths grade is as follows:
Dates of the next module tests The module tests are held on set dates in late January, mid-March and late June each year. Pupils will not take a module test on every available date. However as pupils could be required to take a module test at short notice parents are asked to ensure that they do not book family holidays during these months. Based on previous years the dates of the forthcoming module tests are as following:
Date of the next terminal exam The terminal exam is always held in the first week of June during the main GCSE exams. Based on previous years the dates of the Maths terminal exams are as follows:
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