GCSE maths.

[seeker]

Dd is doing modular GCSE maths (I think that's what it's called!) and she will be doing the first module in November - Statistics. Can I buy past papers for the modular exams? Well, actually,ideally I don't want to buy them - I just want to go to a bookshop and have a look at one to see what it's like. Possible?

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi
Do you know which board? Some have past papers on their websites and your post has reminded me that we are in the same boat so I had also better get onto this.

I will see if I can find out some from this end and will post a link if I find one.

[seeker]

Thank you - it's EdExcall - if that's how you spell them!

[seeker]

Found the site - they have papers for free dwonload, but my browser won't let me!

[hettyhoover]

I think you must mean Edexcel, I would look at their website for past papers, possibly here? www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-b/Pages/default.aspx. Also could your DD ask her teacher? They are likely to have lots of them.

[mandylifeboats]

Have a look on www.freeexampapers.com

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi
Thanks to Hetty - here's the link to documents.
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-b/Pages/documents.aspx

Having coached my DD through a different GCSE I would highly recommend going through mark schemes and examiners reports to get a good view of what the examiners are looking for and which bricks were tripped over the most. Of course the school could well be doing all of this anyway but there is no harm in your DD getting the same message in both ears!

[Monty100]

I've tried both links and can't access the sample questions. Would someone be so kind to do a link to the actual sample papers??

TIA

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi Monty
It looks like edexcel are enjoying a little personal time at the moment. Will give it another go later.

[RockRose]

www.freeexampapers.com has every past paper you could imagine from eleven plus to a level and beyond.

[Monty100]

Suzie thanks, glad it's not just me then.

RockRose - thanks, I'll give that a go.

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi Monty

It looks like edexcel are back up and running. If you copy & paste the whole address (www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-b/Pages/documents.aspx

you get to all the documents you need.

In my opinion this is a silly way of dealing with maths (not you, Monty, the modular structure). My DD is thinking to take Maths & Further Maths at A level. At her school once a module is finished it is put to one side and never spoken of again. It's great for the grades but not sure of its benefits educationally.

[webwiz]

SuzieHomemaker for Maths and Further Maths A level the content of the core modules does depend on each other. Also if you did eg Mechanics 2 as an optional module you would have already had to do Mechanics 1 so it does build maths skills over the course rather than the modules being completely discrete. I agree about the modular Maths GCSE - my DCs school prefers the linear one as it is a better preparation for A level/gives more time to grasp mathematical concepts for those who need it.

[seeker]

Suzie - I was a bit sceptical too. At dd's school, sets 1-3 do the "proper" exam while sets 4-6 do the modular.

Dd was terrified she was going to be moved up a set but to her relief she remains in set 4!

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi Webwiz, thanks for detail about the A level. As I understand it the further maths is useful if DC is considering physics at degree level.

Problem at the moment is that the school only offers modular maths GCSE no matter what the plans of the students are. At options meeting the maths teacher even said 'once the data handling section is done you wont need to bother about that again'. When challenged said that DD could do GCSE stats if she wanted to. All a bit hit & miss in my opinion especially as this is a specialist maths school.

[Monty100]

Suzie - ds is specialist maths school too and he's in Y9 doing this statistics gcse. What year is your dd if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks so much for that link and all your info. It's working.

[SuzieHomemaker]

Hi Monty, DD is in year 9. Doing a data handling module in June, the stats GCSE is offered as a filler at the end for those who finish their GCSE promptly so have some time over. Not sure that they actually teach it just give the kids the book and tell them to get on with it.

Glad the link is working. Practice makes perfect and knowing what the examiner is looking for is a boon.

[Monty100]

Suzie - DS is sitting the Stats GCSE, maybe that's why I'm having to track stuff down, he doesn't seem to be getting taught much of it either. He did the coursework a while ago and I was on here then too! Grrrr.