Entries for this GCSE are at two levels Higher Tier or Foundation Tier and are assessed externally at the end of Year 11. 

Pupils will be entered for linear GCSE Mathematics at a level appropriate to their ability and ambitions.  The qualification will be graded and certified on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total marks across three papers where 9 is the highest grade. 

• Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1
• Higher Tier: grades 9 to 4. 

The course comprises three equally weighted papers (1 hour 30 minutes each).  Each paper will cover all the assessment objectives within the course and there is no coursework element to the qualification.  All papers will be the same tier of entry and completed in the same assessment series.  Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following assessment objectives: 

• Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts 
• Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems 
• Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions 
• Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context. 

• Paper 1 – Non-calculator (1 hour 30 minutes) 
• Paper 2 – Calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Paper 3 – Calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)

For more detailed information, please see the one-page profile for this subject.