Overview
This course is for anyone who may require more than a grade 5 maths GCSE to improve career prospects or gain access to further education. It may also appeal to anyone who welcomes a challenge learning GCSE maths at a higher level.
This course covers most of the Higher GCSE content in number, ratio, proportion, rates of change, algebra, statistics, probability and geometry and measure. Our curriculum follows the latest GCSE 1-9 specification although the course is targeted at grades 5 – 7.
Our classes are small and welcoming. You will work with others and on your own through a combination of whole class teaching, group work and occasionally individual work in breakout rooms using Google Classroom. 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 on this course, you will first meet with one of our friendly Learning Advisors. They will ask you to do two short skills checks to make sure that a GCSE course is the right course for you. Our maths tutors will consider whether to offer a Foundation or Higher Level GCSE. To make an appointment with our team please contact your local 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/graph paper is very useful for graph drawing practice.
You will need a Maths geometry set containing a protractor and a pair of compasses, a 30cm ruler and a scientific calculator. We recommend the Casio fx-83GT PLUS or fx-85GT but 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 Higher Student Book 1 ISBN13 978-1292346137 and Book 2 ISBN13 978-1292346397.
This course will start in September and it is essential that you can commit to weekly attendance 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 catching up on any missed sessions. Your first four sessions will determine whether you should continue with the Higher GCSE or move to a Foundation GCSE (grade 5 maximum).
What can I do next?
A Higher grade of GCSE in Maths may help you access science based Degree level courses, where sometimes a grade 6 is required.
