Maths GCSE (Higher)

Maths GCSE: Higher (AQA 8300)

Course description 

This course will cover the Higher content of GCSE Mathematics where learners can achieve grades up to 9. The main areas of study are Number, Ratio, Proportion and rates of change, Algebra, Geometry and Measure, Statistics and Probability.

GCSE Maths courses will be delivered either on site or online. For online classes, you must have easy access to a computer with the internet. Classes will be held either once a week (3 hours) or twice a week (2.5 hours each).

This course consists of a 3 week IT Fundamentals course at the start to maximise participation in learning using digital tools, followed by GCSE Higher course lasting around 30 weeks.

Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job - Route to Work 

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team. Your tutor will discuss individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you on these modules. 

Entry requirements

This course is normally delivered over 2 or 3 years in schools. Therefore, it is necessary that learners have good literacy (at least Level 1) and numeracy skills before starting the course. Ideally, learners should have achieved Level 1 Maths Functional Skills, or Grade D/Grade 3 in GCSE Maths, or similar in an equivalent course (e.g. CSE/’O’ level Maths) in order to complete the course in one year. 

Initial assessment

To gain a place on the course, all learners must book an initial assessment by calling BAES Info Line (0121 303 4318) or one of the BAES centres. GCSE initial assessments are generally carried out face-to-face although people can book a remote assessment on Teams/Zoom. Depending on the results of the assessment, learners may be advised to join a course other than GCSE Higher.

Learning strategies

It is important that learners attend all sessions and make time to work at home every week in order to prepare, practise and consolidate their learning. The Service has on-line subscriptions to MathsWatch and MyMaths, and learners can access videos, quizzes and other activities on our BAES Moodle site.

Learners will be expected to carry out at least 4 hours of independent study in their own time, every week, to cover all the course content.

Progress monitoring

Learner progress and attendance will be monitored throughout the course. After the first progress check in October, the learner and their teacher will determine whether it is appropriate for the learner to continue with the course. Aspects included in the discussion are attendance, punctuality, ability to cope with the amount of work required and performance on progress checks.

Exams

There will be three exams at the end of the course in May and June which will be carried out in one of our centres. They will be marked externally by AQA and results will be available in August.

Progression

A GCSE Grade 4 or higher will open up a variety of career and training opportunities.

 

Maths - Working towards Entry 3

Maths - Working towards Entry 3

Course Description

This course aims to enable you to build on your previous mathematical knowledge and to increase your understanding, confidence and skill set in order to use mathematics in everyday situations.  

This course will cover three main areas of study:  

• Using numbers and the number system up to 1000 (whole numbers, fractions & decimals) 
• Using common measures, shape and space. 
• Handling information and data (tables, tally charts, bar charts and line graphs). 

Working Towards Entry 3 courses will be delivered either in the classroom (face-to-face). This course includes a 3-week BAES IT Fundamentals course to maximise participation in learning using digital tools and also a Next steps course at the end to help you prepare for the next level. 

Route to Work.

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job. Throughout the year, modules covered include Career Planning, All about Money, and Timesheets and Payslips.  

Entry Requirement

Your English skills need to be at Entry Level 2 or above and you need to have an understanding of some basic maths concepts. 

Initial Assessment

To gain a place on the course, you must book an initial assessment by calling the BAES Info Line (0121 303 4318) or via one of the BAES centres. Initial assessments are carried out by face-to-face assessment at a centre. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may be advised to join a different level or course. 

Learning Strategies

In order to cover all of the course content, you will be expected to carry out at least 2 hours of independent study each week.

It is important that you attend all sessions and make time to work at home, in order to prepare, practise and consolidate your learning. The Service has an online subscription to MyMaths, and you can access videos, quizzes and other activities on our BAES Moodle site.

Progress Monitoring

Your progress and attendance will be monitored throughout the course. After the first progress check, you and your teacher will determine if you can cope with the level and amount of work required, and if you have demonstrated good attendance and punctuality, in order to continue with the course. It may be that a more suitable course is recommended. 

Exams

There is no exam attached to this course.

Progression

Working towards Entry 3 will prepare you for Maths Functional Skills Entry 3. You will be required to complete a short assessment to check whether an Entry 3 Functional Skills course is suitable.

Maths - Entry 3 Functional Skills

Maths – Entry 3 Functional Skills

Course Description

This course aims to enable you to build on your previous mathematical knowledge and to increase your understanding, confidence and skill set in order to use mathematics in everyday situations. 

This course will cover three main areas of study: 

• Using numbers and the number system up to 1000 (whole numbers, fractions & decimals). 
• Using common measures, shape and space. 
• Handling information and data (tables, tally charts, bar charts and line graphs). 

Entry Level 3 Functional skills courses will be delivered either in the classroom (face to face) or virtually (online). For virtual courses, you must have easy access to a computer with the internet.   

At Entry Level 3, there are various course structures:

• September start year-long - one session (2.5 hours per week)
• September start Fast Track - two sessions (5 hours per week)
• February start Fast Track course – two sessions (5 hours per week)

Maths will be taught from the first session of the course. All Entry Level 3 courses include a short IT Fundamentals course at the start to maximise participation in learning using digital tools and also a Taster course at the end to help you prepare for the next level. The once weekly E3 September start courses also include a preparation for Entry 3 course to build and prepare number skills.

Route to Work.

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job. Throughout the year, modules covered include Career Planning, All about Money, and Timesheets and Payslips.

Entry Requirements

Your English skills need to be at Entry level 2 or above, and you need to understand some basic maths concepts. There are different entry requirements for the various Entry Level 3 courses throughout the year. For example, if you want to join a Fast Track Entry Level 3 course in February, your maths will need to be at a higher level than if you join a once weekly course in September.

Initial Assessment

Main courses start in September or February. To gain a place on a course, you must book an initial assessment by phoning the BAES Info Line (0121 303 4318) or via one of the BAES centres. Functional Skills initial assessments are carried out by face to face assessment at a centre. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may be advised to join a different level or course. 

Learning Strategies

In order to cover all of the course content, you will be expected to carry out at least 2 hours of independent study each week.

It is important you attend all required sessions and make time to work at home every week, in order to prepare, practise and consolidate your learning. The Service has an on-line subscription to MyMaths, and you can access videos, quizzes and other activities on our BAES Moodle site. 

Progress Monitoring

Your progress and attendance will be monitored throughout the course. After the first progress check, you and your teacher will determine if you can cope with the level and amount of work required, and if you have demonstrated good attendance and punctuality, in order to continue with the course. It may be that a more suitable course is recommended.

Exams

There will be one formal paper-based exam, which will be taken towards the end of the course and will be carried out at one of our BAES centres. The exam will consist of 2 papers: a non-calculator and a calculator paper. 

Progression

Maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3 will prepare you for either Preparation for Level 1 or Maths Functional Skills Level 1. If you join a twice weekly Fast Track Entry Level 3 course in September (5 hours per week), you will have the opportunity to join a Level 1 course in February. There will be a short assessment to check whether a Level 1 course is suitable.

Maths - Level 1 Functional Skills

Maths – Level 1 Functional Skills

Who is the course for?

Adults (19+) who would like to develop their Maths skills for everyday life and work.

Course description

Maths is an important skill that you need in everyday life. A key aim for this course is for you to gain confidence and fluency in mathematics and develop a positive attitude towards it.

At Level 1, you will cover the basic concepts required for work and everyday life. The main areas of study are Number, Fractions, Decimals and Percentages, Measures, Shape and Space, and Handling Data.

There are various course structures depending on your needs. As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job.

Classes are either online, being delivered in virtual classrooms via Zoom or MS Teams, or onsite at one of our centres.

Courses structure

Maths - Working towards Level 1

This course helps you to gain the skills needed in Level 1 before applying them to Functional Skills problems. This course leads to Maths - Level 1 - Functional Skills
Start date: September | Duration: Two sessions, (2 x 2.5 hours) 5 hours per week.

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Maths - Level 1 Functional Skills (Year Long)

This course includes a Maths - Preparation for GCSE course to help you prepare for the next level.
Start date: September | Duration: One session, 2.5 hours per week.

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Maths - Level 1 Functional Skills (Fast Track)

This course is for learners who already have established Maths skills, but need to gain a qualification quickly. This course leads to Working Towards GCSE Maths.
Start date: September or February | Duration: Two sessions, (2 x 2.5 hours) 5 hours per week.

Course requirements

Your English skills need to be at Entry 3 level or above. 

You must book and complete an initial assessment and meet the criteria to join each course. To book an initial assessment contact our Information Line on 0121 303 4318 or visit one of our BAES centres. Maths initial assessments are carried out face-to-face at one of our centres.

Additional support needs
If you have any additional support needs, such as a learning difficulty or a disability then please ensure we are aware of this, so we can help to support you further. If you have any previous Maths qualifications then please ensure that your assessor is informed when you attend your Initial Assessment.

How will I learn?

It is important you attend all required sessions and make time to work at home every week, in order to prepare, practise and consolidate your learning.

You will

• have access to videos, quizzes and other activities on our BAES Moodle site
• have access to online subscriptions such as MathsWatch and MyMaths
• work in pairs, groups and individually
• complete tasks, activities and assessments.
• receive feedback on your progress and what you need to do to improve

Will I gain any qualification?

You will gain a Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 1.

Progression

All Maths - Level 1 courses lead to Maths GCSE with Birmingham Adult Education Service.