This course encourages you to acquire a systematic body of mathematical knowledge and the skills you need to apply this in new and changing situations.
You will carry out a range of tasks that require you to select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate terminology and conventions.
Entry requirements
This course is for adults only and is not available to those studying at other institutions. You will be given a diagnostic assessment test to ensure that you are at the appropriate National Curriculum level before starting this course.
The entry requirements are therefore based on a satisfactory diagnostic test result plus one of the following:
- GCSE Maths grade D at Intermediate Level, OR
- Functional Skills Maths Level 2.
Before embarking on the course it would be useful to think about the answers to these questions.
1. Do you have any English/maths qualifications?
2. When was the last time you undertook an English/maths course?
3. Do you use English/maths in your job?
4. What are your reasons/end goals/expectations for wanting to do GCSE English/maths?
If you meet the entry requirements above you can be booked in for a diagnostic assessment test to ensure that you are at the appropriate National Curriculum level before starting this course.
GCSE Maths
To advance on to the adult part-time GCSE Maths course you will need to pass an online BKSB assessment at 45% or over. If you are successful you will be contacted by the tutor with regards to enrolling on to the course.
We strongly advise that you are prepared for the GCSE assessment and can recommend the following e-learning websites:
Course content
During the course you will cover topics including:
- Using and Applying Mathematics
- Number & Algebra
- Shape, Space & Measures
- Handling Data
Assessment methods
There are two exams (calculator and non-calculator), both are weighted at 50%.
Further study and career options
Many employers and HE establishments see GCSE mathematics as an essential qualification. With grades AC you can progress to advanced level science and maths courses.
Additional information
This one-year course requires you to attend College for two hours per week in the evening for classroom study and be able to undertake around five hours of home study each week. You must also achieve a minimum of 90% attendance. You will be required to have a geometry set, writing equipment, a scientific calculator and the textbook ‘Edexcel GCSE Mathematics 16+, published by Heinemann. Graph paper will be provided when necessary. There is an additional cost of £22.00 for books for this course.
Funding information
This course could be FREE! You could be eligible for free study if you are unemployed and on a qualifying benefit. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/concessions