Description
The International GCSE Mathematics syllabus is designed to prioritise the learning of mathematical knowledge in this fundamental and essential subject. Skills are then developed to empower pupils to employ the knowledge gained. The syllabus builds confidence by helping pupils to recognise patterns, relationships and offering opportunities for getting a feel for numbers. This confidence and knowledge, understanding and skills are then used to problem solve and interpret / present results. Mathematical concepts gained form the syllabus develop reasoning and communication skills.
The International GCSE Mathematics course will be followed, which is a fully accredited internationally recognised qualification. The Extended syllabus will be followed. The topics covered in the syllabus are Numbers, Algebra & Graphs, Geometry, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Matrices & Transformations, Probability and Statistics.
The course is assessed officially through exams at the end of the year 11 academic year, but there will also be continuous assessment during term time by way of in-class tests.
The subject provides a basis for further study, in mathematics and in particular the sciences and engineering.
Assessment
Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests.
Homework
Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts.
Reporting
Parents have 24 /7 access to all of their children's coursework. Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultations per year - one each term.
COURSE OUTLINE
The International GCSE mathematics course here at online school of Uganda will focus on the development of key mathematical skills that will prove useful in all aspects of life, concentrating on the application of maths to other key life skills. The course will also provide a strong basis for further study. An understanding of numbers, patterns and relationships will be developed and key problem-solving skills emphasised. By the end of their studies, students will be able to confidently communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
Upper School
Class sizes will be small, no more than 10 students. A typical lesson will consist of time lecturing and discussing key concepts, in which the student will be expected to take notes and engage in the discussion, alongside time spent answering questions and solving problems, both alone and working with the rest of the class. The problems will come from a variety of sources including past exam papers and textbooks.
Homework will be set weekly and should be completed promptly and scanned and uploaded for marking where possible.
All course information and material will be disseminated via the online platform Moodle, which will also serve as a subject forum and message board whereby students can engage in discussion and can ask the teacher and each other questions.
Equipment
A scientific calculator is mandatory. The lessons will be delivered via the WizIQ virtual classroom, which consists of a virtual whiteboard that both students and the teacher can write upon. In mathematics, drawing diagrams and handwriting calculations is key to learning, so all students will be required to purchase a graphics tablet and stylus pen in order to be able to answers problems on the whiteboard.
Students will be expected to take notes so a lined paper will be also be necessary, alongside a ruler, protractor and drawing compass. A printer and scanner will also be useful.
Recommended Reading Material
Lower School
Nothing mandatory as we expect the lessons to be self-contained, but some recommended textbooks are the CGP KS3 Maths Workbook & Study Guides and Collins KS3 Workbooks.
Upper School
Nothing mandatory as we expect the lessons to be self-contained, but the officially recommended textbook to support the International GCSE course is the International GCSE Mathematics Core and Extended Third Edition, which contains all the information and practice questions necessary to pass the exam.
Examinations
Parents are responsible for arranging their child's examinations at their local registered examination centre. Online School of Uganda students study from every part of the country and so it is not practical for the school to offer a single venue to sit examinations.. Consequently online school of Uganda is not registered with Cambridge International Examinations but has partnerships with examination centres registered with Cambridge International Examinations and will support students in locating a suitable venue for sitting their written and practical examinations.