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More about the mathematics option

What are the British Mathematics examinations and courses?

GCSE mathematics 

This is the national exam taken by over half a million students in Britain at the age of sixteen. To have achieved a good grade in this exam proves not only that your mathematics is of a high standard, but also that your English is good enough to allow you to study and succeed in a second subject taught in English. Having a GCSE in mathematics may be useful when applying for a place at an English-speaking university. The course is appropriate for students of all abilities in mathematics, and gives them the opportunity to achieve the best grade possible for them. Although the examination takes place in 2nde, essential skills are developed throughout the 'collège' years. GCSE mathematics assesses students’ performance against the National Curriculum criteria for number, algebra, geometry and statistics. Candidates take two examination papers at the end of 2nde, representing 80% of their marks. They also submit two pieces of course-work during the 2nde year, which represent 20% of the marks: these assess the candidate’s ability to use and apply mathematical knowledge.

The 1ère mathematics course 

This is an internally designed and assessed course, which replaces the previously offered AS level examination course in mathematics. Due to syllabus and curriculum changes in England, it is no longer feasible to offer AS mathematics within the English National Programme.

The 1ère Mathematics course is a one-year course which continues and extends the Mathematics work of English National students to a more demanding level than GCSE. The emphasis within the course is placed upon each pupil developing sound understanding and increased confidence in mathematics. Its aim is to support, complement and extend the French approach to mathematics in 1ère.

 The course:

• continues certain mathematical topics from GCSE level, concentrating on algebra, geometry and calculus;
• as well as offering support in areas studied within the French curriculum, offers extension into areas of mathematics which are less covered;
• prepares students for the demands of mathematically based courses in higher education in the UK and USA, as it ensures that they can cope with mathematical reasoning at a very high level in English.

It also allows a continuation of the cognitive and linguistic benefits of a bilingual/bicultural approach to a key subject in the French secondary curriculum.

This is a demanding, intensive and rewarding one-year option for pupils who have a strong interest in doing mathematics in addition to what is demanded by their ‘baccalauréat’ course. It should be considered by students who have an aptitude for mathematics and who are ready to keep up commitment throughout the year.

Results of work in class and of both mock and end of year examinations will be placed upon the 1ère ‘bulletin trimestriel’ in the normal way, but will not, of course, contribute directly to marks in the baccalauréat examination.

 Results and detailed knowledge about students’ work and progress generated by this course will be relevant for British, American and other university applications