GCSE maths Fast track

Overview

This course is for anyone who wants to improve their career prospects, gain access to further education, or to support their family with their maths skills. This course is also ideal for anyone simply wanting to improve their maths skills for personal reasons. This course is for people who need to achieve their GCSE Maths grade 4 or 5 within 5 months.

This course covers all of the GCSE content in number, ratio, proportion, rates of change, algebra, statistics, probability and geometry and measure.  Our curriculum follows the latest GCSE grading system from 1 to 5 (Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths 2015).

Our classes are small and welcoming and will take place for 2 three hour sessions every week. You will work with others and on your own through a combination of whole class teaching and individual work in breakout rooms using zoom.  You will be taught by supportive and friendly tutors who provide lots of practical help and guidance. The course is usually free of charge* and available online during the daytime or in evenings, so you can fit study around your own requirements. 

Entry requirements

This course is free if you do not have a GCSE maths qualification or have a GCSE D grade (grade 3 under the new grading system) equivalent or below. To enrol in this course, you will first need to meet with one of our friendly Learning Advisers. They will ask you to do two short skills checks to make sure that this is the right course for you. To make an appointment with our team please contact your local Learn Devon centre. 

Assessment criteria

This course is assessed by 3 exams at the end of the course, you will have an opportunity to see how you are doing throughout the course. The provisional exam dates for summer 2025 are May 15th, June 04th and 11th. These dates will be released as soon as possible but you must be available for revision and exams during this time. Although this is an online course, all exams will be held at your local Learn Devon centre under exam conditions.

What do I need?

As this is an online course, you will need a good internet connection and a computer/tablet or similar device to connect to the lessons.  You will also need a pen, pencil and a notebook, as well as the items listed in the equipment list below. Squared paper, while not required, can be really useful to organise your work

You will need a Maths geometry set containing a protractor and a pair of compasses. You will also need a 30cm ruler. You will also need a scientific calculator. We recommend the Casio fx-83GT PLUS but any similar models will work just as well. The following textbooks may be useful on your course. Please check with your tutor if they will be required or just recommended: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Student Book 1 9781292346144 and Book 2 9781292346380 

This course will start in January 2025 and it is essential that you can commit to attendance at all sessions as well as completing weekly homework. Homework will be used to practice and check your understanding of topics covered and provide feedback on your progress. It is vital that you can commit to completing this each week as well as any missed sessions.

What can I do next?

A GCSE qualification in maths is nationally recognised and is often required by employers and education providers in both further and higher education. A GCSE in maths is vital for a broad variety of careers and in order to access most Degree level courses.