GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Maths (Foundation Tier) is a one‑year course designed to help you improve your Maths GCSE grade. The course focuses on building confidence in key mathematical skills, problem‑solving and applying maths to real‑life situations.
This course is ideal if you need to strengthen your maths skills to support progression to further study, training or employment. At St Brendan’s, teaching is supportive and structured, with a strong focus on regular practice and improvement.
- Qualification
- GCSE
- Exam Board
- Eduqas
- Duration
- 1 year
Why study GCSE Mathematics at St Brendan’s?
Maths is a key qualification for progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment. This course focuses on improving your confidence and accuracy in core mathematical skills, helping you work towards the grade you need for your next step.
At St Brendan’s, experienced teachers support you with regular assessment, targeted feedback and structured revision to help you make clear progress.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above
- Including GCSE English Language grade 3
- Including GCSE Maths grade 3
Course examination breakdown
What else do I need to know?
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above
Including GCSE English Language grade 3
Including GCSE Maths grade 3
Topics studied include:
Number work
Algebra
Geometry
Statistics
Shape and space
These topics develop your ability to solve problems, apply maths to everyday situations and prepare you for the final examinations.
Skills you will develop
Problem‑solving and logical thinking
Accuracy and confidence with calculations
Interpreting data and graphs
Applying maths in real‑life contexts
Revision and exam technique
The course is taught by well‑qualified and experienced staff using a variety of teaching methods. Teaching approaches are adapted based on ongoing conversations between teachers and students to ensure learning is effective and accessible.
Students are expected to complete a substantial amount of revision and practice outside the classroom to support progress.
This course is assessed through written examinations, taken in November or May/June.
Progress is monitored through regular assignments and mock examinations
The final GCSE consists of three exam papers:
Paper 1: Non‑calculator paper – 2 hour 15 minutes
Paper 2: Calculator paper – 2 hour 15 minutes
Regular feedback helps you understand your progress and focus on improvement.
A wide range of Mathematics textbooks
Access to online learning resources
Regular practice materials and exam‑style questions
Students are expected to provide their own:
Scientific calculator
Geometry set
There are no compulsory course charges, but students are expected to provide their own calculator and geometry set.
There are no restricted subject combinations. Your overall ATL3 programme will be discussed to ensure it supports your progression plans.
Students are expected to improve by at least one grade during the course.
Achieving a Grade 4 or 5 can open up opportunities such as:
Progression to Level 3 courses
Improved access to employment
Routes into further and higher education, including university
Between the November retake exams and the results in the January we run a programme of study on managing money, supported by HSBC and where students can earn a certificate from the Open University,
Progression opportunities
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