Foundation versus Higher Maths GCSE maths

[Neverstopsraining]

Can anyone advise on the differences between these two papers (other than the obvious in terms of Foundation being easier). My DD is weak at maths but could with good wind possibly scrap a pass on the Higher paper but it would be a real gamble. My preference (and hers) would be for her to take the Foundation paper so would have less to cover, more time to revise and less stress (she works very hard and maths does stress her out). However I am unclear as to whether choosing Foundation over Higher would be detrimental in any way later on in terms of 6th form/uni/on her CV. She isn't going to do anything like maths, science or engineering at A level. The school are in the fence at the moment but I am waiting for the Head of Maths to contact me. Can anyone advise?

[noblegiraffe]

Tier of entry doesn't appear on exam certificates so all anyone will know is whether she passed or not.

However My DD is weak at maths but could with good wind possibly scrap a pass on the Higher paper

There is absolutely no way of telling this with the new GCSE, we have no idea where the grade boundaries will be set. The new GCSE higher paper is much harder than the old one, so more students will be sitting foundation than previously. The school are probably on the fence at the moment because they are waiting to sit some mocks to get a better idea.

One thing you need to be clear about: when you say 'scrape a pass' do you mean a 4 or a 5? A 4 will be equivalent to the old C grade and will mean no resits required in sixth form, but the pass grade will be a 5 which is more like an old low B grade.

[BertrandRussell]

I think it depends very much on the child.

Some will do much better on the foundation paper because it looks more manageable- it can be very intimidating to look through a paper and see loads you can't do.

[BertrandRussell]

And they gave my ds's class a new type paper to have a go at and a lot of them panicked and completely fell apart because the first few questions looked very "wordy"

[Neverstopsraining]

Thanks for your replies. I expect we will opt for the Foundation paper. Apparently it goes up to a level 5 max which is a B- (4 being a C). Her teacher is convinced she can get to a level 4 or 5 (i'm doubtful on the 5) and will be better placed given the narrower curriculum and more time to revise so less stressed. I think the Higher paper and the pressure in the run up to the GCSE could be detrimental. It is a gamble but we'd be very happy with a 4 or 5 given how hard she finds maths.