Introduction
At KSGS we follow the AQA 8300 Mathematics Course.
Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be.
This qualification enables students to engage with, explore, enjoy and succeed in maths. It encourages students to develop their confidence, to learn from their mistakes and to recognise the importance of maths in their own lives and to society.
How is the course assessed?
GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). Students must take three question papers at the same tie at the end of the course in Year 11. All question papers must be
taken in the same series.
The information in the table below is the same for both Foundation and Higher tiers.
Course Content
All content can be assessed on any of the three question papers. As such, some questions will draw together elements of maths from different topic areas. The weighting of the topic areas has been prescribed by Ofqual and is common to all exam boards. The table below shows the approximate weightings of the topic areas for the overall tier of assessment, not for each individual question paper.
| Topic Area | Foundation Tier (%) | Higher Tier (%) |
| Number | 25 | 15 |
| Algebra | 20 | 30 |
| Ratio | 25 | 20 |
| Geometry | 15 | 20 |
| Probability and statistics (combined) | 15 | 15 |
Essential Requirements
It is important that students study this subject at their appropriate level to ensure maximum enjoyment and have the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of maths, to ensure they achieve the results they deserve.
Future Pathways
Maths is a popular choice of A Level in the Sixth Form. Students who aspire to this level of study need to follow the Higher Tier at GCSE to build the foundations necessary for this next step.
A Grade 4 in GCSE Maths acts as a standard pass, opening doors to various vocational, technical, and entry-level career paths, including apprenticeships in accounting, business, engineering, and digital marketing. It also enables roles in healthcare, administration, and trades.
A qualification in Maths also opens diverse, high-demand career paths in finance, data science, technology, and engineering, often focusing on analysis, modelling, and problem-solving. Top roles include actuary, data scientist, statistician, accountant, software engineer, and investment analyst. These roles are often high-paying and essential across various industries