English and maths 23/24
Merton College is committed to helping students improve their English and maths skills. Good English and maths skills help students succeed on their vocational course, enhance employment opportunities as well as encourage active participation in the community. It is a Government requirement that all students under 19 study English and maths if they do not already have a GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects. As such the college expects all students to attend all lessons which are part of their study programme. If students are over 19 and would like to study English and maths, the college is committed to support them to achieve this.
Preparedness to Learn
As a department we believe in having high expectations for ALL our students. In order to help with this, we have the following rules which show students have a willingness to learn and achieve.
- Bring pens and paper
- Coats off once you enter the classroom
- No food or drink
- No headphones
- No mobile phones these should be off and out of sight
The Course
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - AQA (8700)
GCSE Maths - EDEXCEL
Students should make every effort to attend all lessons, complete assignments, mock exams and use online resources to support the classroom learning.
The GCSE English language exam is split into three parts :
- Paper 1 - 50% (Explorations in creative reading and writing )
- Paper 2 - 50% (Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives)
- Speaking and Listening assessments
The GCSE maths exam is split into three parts:
- Paper 1 – Non Calculator
- Paper 2 - Calculator
- Paper 3 - Calculator Progression: GCSE English Language and maths is essential if you wish to progress onto higher level vocational courses or university.
The Final Exams
The Final Exams are sat on TWO DAYS (ENGLISH), THREE DAYS (MATHS) . You will be unable to sit them at any other times. The exam board is VERY strict on this rule. DO NOT BOOK HOLIDAYS AT THIS TIME Students must make sure they bring: Black pen(s) College ID GCSE English and maths provisional exam dates will be published later.
Resources and support In addition to the weekly timetabled sessions, we have a vast range of resources including our virtual learning environment called MOODLE, BKSB and MathsWatch (please see resources for maths on the next page). We deliver English and maths booster sessions and exam revision workshops during half-terms and Easter Holidays. Small Group Tuition sessions are available to students and provide extra support with English and/or maths to improve students’ knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve higher grades. ProPortal is a student monitoring system at College. This is where students’ targets and assessment results are visible. You can support your son/daughter by ensuring that they attend English and maths lessons, complete weekly set homework and take advantage of the resources and support offered. You can also improve your own English and maths skills by taking an English and / or maths course in the evening sessions, joining the growing number of adults who are achieving qualifications in English and maths
Contact details: Aneta Armoogum – Deputy Head – English and Maths This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
