Welcome to the Mathematics Department
At The Forum Centre, our goal is for every student to achieve at least one mathematics qualification. We aim to provide the skills and confidence necessary for students to reach the next step in their lives after completing Key Stage 4.
A White Rose Maths Champion School
We are proud to be a White Rose Maths Champion School. This status reflects our deep commitment to delivering the White Rose Maths curriculum across all our primary and secondary year groups.
To support this, we hold a premium membership, which provides:
- High-Quality Resources: Every student has access to the very best materials to ensure comprehensive curriculum coverage.
- Targeted Interventions: We use data-driven insights to provide specific support where it is needed most, ensuring no student is left behind.
Our Qualifications Pathway
We offer a tiered approach to qualifications, allowing students to build confidence and celebrate success at every stage of their learning journey.
1. NCFE Functional Skills (Levels 1 and 2)
We use NCFE as our provider for Functional Skills, focusing on the practical application of maths in real-world scenarios.
- Level 1: Equivalent to GCSE grades 1–3. It involves completing 13 Unit Awards and a revision guide before the final assessment. Many colleges accept this for entry into Level 2 courses.
- Level 2: Equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 or above. It involves 11 Unit Awards focusing on higher-level logic like algebra and speed/distance/time.
- Format: Both levels are calculator-based exams, set and marked externally by NCFE. They can be taken at four different points during the year and can be retaken if necessary.
2. AQA GCSE Mathematics
All students in Key Stage 4 follow the AQA GCSE (8300) course.
- Tiers: We offer both Foundation Tier (Grades 1–5) and Higher Tier (Grades 4–9).
- Assessment: Students sit three 90-minute papers in May/June of Year 11.
- Paper 1: Non-Calculator
- Papers 2 & 3: Calculator
- Each paper is equally weighted and covers the full curriculum, including number, algebra, ratio, geometry, probability, and statistics.
3. AQA GCSE Statistics
In addition to the standard Mathematics GCSE, we offer AQA GCSE Statistics as a separate, second qualification. This allows students to gain two distinct GCSEs in the mathematical field, providing a significant advantage for those looking to pursue further education in science, business, or social sciences.