Exam information

MATHEMATICS

Edexcel Syllabus 1380

Students follow the Edexcel 1380 (Linear), which is available at two levels:-

• Higher; suitable for candidates that will achieve Grade B or above;
• Foundation; suitable for students likely to achieve Grade C or below.

 A brief outline of the course is given below, broadly divided into 4 categories.

 Number     

• Four rules of numbers
  • Fractions
  • Decimals
  • Money
  •  Time
• Order of operations involving negative numbers
• % and applications, simple and compound
  • Interest
  • % profit and loss
  • % error
• Use of calculator
  • Four rules, powers and roots
• Approximation, estimations, significant figures and decimal places

  Algebra

• Simplification
• Factorisation
• Equations
  • Linear
  • Simultaneous
  • Quadratic by factorising or using formula
• Inequalities
• Graphs
  • Straight line & quadratic
  • Transformation of graphs
  • Trigonometric functions
  • Right angled triangles, trigonometry and Pythagoras
  • Sine and Cosine rule
  • Vector geometry

 Geometry and Measures

• Properties of polygons
  • Similar shapes
  • Tessellations
• Angle properties - types of angles, parallel lines
• Circle theorems
• Perimeter, area, volumes, squares, rectangles, triangles, compound shapes, prisms, cones, spheres, cylinders
• Transformations - translation, rotation, reflection, enlargement
• Bearings

Statistics

• Averages
• Scatter diagrams
• Statistical Diagrams
  • Bar charts, pie charts, histograms, frequency polygon, cumulative frequency
• Curves
• Probability
  • Simple
  • Combined events
  • Tree diagrams
  • Probability space diagrams
  • Application to practical situations

 Methods of assessment

The final assessment consists of two 1 hour 45 minute papers (non-calculator and calculator), each worth 50% of the final mark.  There is no longer a coursework element.

Career opportunities

Mathematics is required at grade C or above for entry into most sixth forms and universities, and is a pre-requisite for many careers.  If it is considered as a possible subject at AS or A2 level, a pass at Grades A* or A would be advisable.