Learning spirals in depth particularly at Higher tier:

1) Number & Structure

• Integers, fractions, decimals, ratio/proportion; percentage change; index laws (including negative/fractional indices), standard form; bounds & estimation; surds (Higher).
• Real-world applications (compound growth/decay; currency/metric conversions; multi-step percentage problems).

2) Algebra & Graphs

• Expressions & identities; expanding/factorising (including quadratics); algebraic fractions (Higher); sequences (arithmetic/geometric/recursive); inequalities & regions.
• Equations: linear, simultaneous, quadratics (factorise/complete the square/quadratic formula); rearranging formulae.
• Functions & Graphs: linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, exponential; transformations; gradient/intercept; modelling.

3) Geometry & Measures

• Angle properties, polygons, parallel lines; congruence & similarity; circle theorems (Higher).
• Perimeter, area, surface area & volume (including compound solids and frustums).
• Coordinate geometry (gradient, midpoint, line equations); loci & constructions with reasoning.
• Trigonometry: SOHCAHTOA, sine/cosine rules and area of a triangle (Higher); bearings; 2D/3D problems.

4) Statistics

• Data collection & representation; histograms (Higher), cumulative frequency & box plots; averages and spread.
• Interpreting diagrams, estimating means from grouped data, comparing distributions.

5) Probability

• Theoretical vs experimental probability; sample spaces; tree diagrams (independent/conditional); Venn diagrams & set notation (Higher).

Assessment (Modular)

• Unit 1 Examination (Year 10, Term 3) — calculator paper; 50% of final grade; approximately 2 hours; 100 marks.
• Unit 2 Examination (Year 11) — calculator paper; 50% of final grade; approximately 2 hours; 100 marks.

Foundation tier codes: 4MA1/1F (Unit 1), 4MA1/2F (Unit 2)
Higher tier codes: 4MA1/1H (Unit 1), 4MA1/2H (Unit 2)

Question types include short-answer, structured and multi-step problems; calculators are permitted for both units.

Tiering & Certification

• Foundation targets grades 1–5; Higher targets 4–9.
• Tier is selected by the school to match secure performance; the certificate records iGCSE Mathematics and the final grade only.

(Compulsory)

Mathematics is compulsory and a keystone qualification. Our modular route provides early feedback, keeps motivation high, and develops logical reasoning, quantitative literacy and decision-making skills vital across STEM, business, computing and everyday life.

• A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics (for high achievers)
• STEM pathways (Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science), quantitative Economics/Business, Psychology, Geography (statistics), Finance and data-driven fields.
• Mathematics is a core prerequisite or strong advantage for many post-16 and university routes.