Getting ready for maths GCSE

What is the course about?

This course is about preparing you to start a GCSE maths course. It is designed for anyone who already has a good level of everyday Maths. The course will mirror the accredited GCSE but at a lower level. You will study and be assessed on many of the topics/skills which you will need on the GCSE maths course.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will cover some of the topics/skills of the GCSE accreditation but in less detail and at a lower level. Which of these we focus on most will depend on the learning needs of students in the group. Some of those topic areas are listed below

• Some of the more everyday applications of the subject involving percentages, fractions and decimals
• Using standard units of measure and related concepts (length, area, volume/capacity, mass, time, money, etc.)
• Shapes and their properties including 2D and 3D shapes, properties of faces, plans and elevations
• Introduction to algebra, including substituting into formulae, inequalities and equations
• Basic probability.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• start your GCSE maths course with a good foundation
• solve a range of everyday problems using percentages, for examples questions relating to bank accounts and interest.
• calculate areas, volumes, capacity of solids given dimensions or find unknown dimensions given area or volume
• state the properties of 2D and 3D shapes and solids
• substitute into formulae both known and unknown. For example, finding the volume of a cylinder given radius of top and height
• be able to solve linear equations such as 2X + 4 = 6
• be able to solve basic probability problems.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for learners who wish to progress to an accredited Maths GCSE course. You will need to have the Maths skills at least of functional skills level 1 and will need to complete an initial assessment before being accepted on the course. You also need to be able to commit to attendance every week and have the time, means and dedication to work outside the classroom.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover rules and features of maths. You will work on your own and with other students. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a lined A4 pad, pens and a folder for assignments. You will need an appropriate calculator. Your tutor will give you details of this. You will also need some maths equipment e.g. a ruler, a protractor, compasses and pencils.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Successful completion of the course and achieving the appropriate level in the initial assessment for GCSE maths will mean you can progress to the year long Maths GCSE course.
We also run English and Digital Skills courses to help you particularly in the workplace.
For more information contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / (telephone temporarily unavailable)



Any questions do email: Universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or ring (telephone temporarily unavailable).