Years 10 & 11
Listed below are the activities designed specifically with pupils in Key Stage 4 as they prepare for their GCSEs - activities range from Level 3 to Level 8. They can be done as part of a themed activity day, across a number of lessons or simply when appropriate to meet the needs of the school's Scheme of Work. All themes are suitable for a range of abilities although some are for mixed groups whilst others are targeting specific grades. There is nothing to stop the activities being used with pupils in other year groups, however, this can lead to duplication of activity or may be of less interest to pupils in that age group.
Le.aving School
Whilst still focused on an extensive study programme, it is inevitable that pupils will be beginning to think about what happens next. With this in mind, this unit considers the next 12 months and looks at everything from revision timetables to choosing courses in further education or apprenticeships whilst weighing up the pros and cons in decision making.
Summer Camp
A gap year or voluntary work between school and university is a popular choice with young people these days and is often one of their first forages into the great wide world without the support of parents and teachers. This unit looks at how some key mathematical concepts can have a practical application beyond the classroom.
Stocks and Shares
Is putting money into stocks and shares purely a game of chance or is there more to it than that? This unit uses statistical modelling to follow look at existing trends to extrapolate future results.
Rockets
Much of the more abstract Mathematics taught for GCSE comes into its own at A Level and beyond when its application is seen. Through this module on rockets complex mathematical concepts that allow a rocket to launch into space and would be of particular appeal to classes where there are a number of pupils considering continuing with Mathematics beyond GCSE.
New Home
There are an increasing number of costs involved in setting up your own home. Whether buying with a mortgage or renting, a large part of anyone's income goes towards paying for their accommodation. Following on from the units looking at leaving school and career choices this unit considers budgeting, utility bills, interest rates and growth.
Exam Practise
There is no escaping that ultimately a pupil's Mathematics ability is going to be assessed through a written exam. With a broad knowledge of all mathematics it should be relatively straightforward for them to achieve their potential but nothing prepares you better for an exam than looking at past papers. This unit looks at exam technique and helps pupils to identify what topic a question is on as all too often this is what stops them from answering it even when they actually have the required skills.