@WESLEY METHODIST

SCHOOL 2012

IGCSE

Aims of a mathematics syllabus

1. Knowledge:- the basic requirement2. Understanding:-interpret and select

appropriately3. Appreciation:- patterns and relationships;

significance of results.4. Initiative:- creative and investigational

work 5. Communicating:- presentation of work and

oral communication6. Application:- relate to other subjects and

everyday situations.

Successful IGCSE Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills:

the development of mathematical knowledge

confidence by developing a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships

an ability to consider and solve problems and present and interpret results

an ability to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts

a solid foundation for further study

The syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO THE IGCSE MATHS COURSE

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE:TECHNIQUE WITH APPLICATION

The syllabus structure (1)There are 37 topics listed in the syllabus.

The Core curriculum is applicable to all students

The Extended (Supplement) curriculum builds on the Core material and the relevant sections are placed next to each other in the syllabus.

The syllabus structure (2)

What are the four main curriculum areas?

Number topics 1 to 17 Algebra topics 18 to 25, 36 Shape and Space topics 26 to 32, 35,

36 Statistics and probability topics 33 to 34

Syllabus

Structure of the syllabus (3) Grade Descriptions Grades A, C and F descriptors Grade C – overlap between Core and

Extended

DBAA*E

F GC

Question types Papers 1and 2

20 to 22 short answer questionsMainly a test of skillsEach question usually tests 1 or at most 2

skills Paper 3 and 4

9 or 10 long questions More emphasis on the application of skillsSeveral skills tested in one question on a

theme

The syllabus: Level and paper detailsCORE: grades C to GPaper 1:35% of the marksTotal Marks 56 with 15 to 20 in common with paper 2 from 2011Time 1 hour

EXTENDED: grades A* to EPaper 2:35% of the marksTotal Marks 70 with 15 to 20 in common with paper 1 from 2011Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 3:65% of the marksTotal Marks 104Time 2 hours

Paper 4:65% of the marksTotal Marks 130Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Schemes of work for IGCSE Maths

How is the scheme of work structured at your school? One model is to group the topics in Mathematical areas e.g. Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, Statistics and

probability. Consider the time required to deliver each area then group

related topics together. Allow pupils to have a balanced diet each term – i.e. Each of

the above areas has some coverage in one term allowing some variety.

Forming a scheme of work: group exercise

Find the handout on suggested time and

division between terms for each area. For your area divide the topics on the

handout between the terms. Complete the worksheet with topics in

order and time intended for each one.

CIE Schemes of Work

SESSION 4Question Papers and Mark Schemes

Question papers and mark schemes

How question papers are set

The construction of questions

Grade Descriptions

Developing and applying mark schemes

Analysiss of candidates’ scripts and creating mark schemes

Setting questions (1)

Questions set with reference to Assessment Objectives. (See page 9 of the syllabus)

Questions set across a range of grades. Core level 55% C-D, 45% E-G Extended level 65% A*-B, 35% C-E Balance is maintained across the four areas

of the curriculum

Setting questions (2)

Topics for the structured papers set first Questions are written so that each follows a logical

pattern Answers in earlier parts of questions may be needed to

help with later parts in the question Within a question there is usually a graduation of

increasing difficulty, the most difficult at the end (Papers 1 and 2) In general, easier questions are put at

the beginning of a paper.

CIE endorsed text books (0580/0581)

Author: David Rayner

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Author: Sue Pemberton(new edition)

(due Jan 2012)

Creating a Scheme of Work for a topic

Factors to consider: Aims and Objectives Time Constraints Other Curricular Content

to include (or refer back to)

Resources

Teaching Methodology

Assessment Opportunities

Skills progression Content cohesion

Session 1: Schemes of Work (Specific topics) and lessons

CIE Schemes Creating your own Scheme for a topic Construction of lessons

Session 2: Question Papers and mark schemes

How question papers are set The construction of questions Grade Descriptions Developing and applying mark schemes Analysis of candidates’ scripts and creating

mark schemes