In our blog this week, NEC Maths tutor Sally talks about the importance of GCSE Maths and introduces our new online GCSE Maths course.

Following the recent changes to GCSE specifications, we’ve been working hard on getting our brand new GCSE Maths course ready. We’re really pleased with it and can’t wait to tell you all about it!

But first I’ll answer the question that, as a maths teacher, I’m often asked: ‘Why is maths GCSE so important?’

Maths is something we use every day – often without even realising it. When you work out how much something would cost with the discount voucher you have, add up how much your weekly shop comes to, or figure out how much paint you need to decorate your living room. It’s all maths.

You’ll often find that you need it if you decide to go on to higher education. If you want to change career and get into teaching, nursing and many other things, maths will be on the list of essential qualifications that the admissions team will want to see. This is to gauge your suitability for higher study and in many cases, because maths will factor into the course in some way.

GCSE Maths is also something you’ll often see on job adverts as a requirement. This is one way employers assess whether you’re suitable for the position.

Maths can make a big difference between right and wrong. In a recent case, that was widely publicised, an error in maths had near-fatal consequences. Students at the University of Northumbria were part of an experiment to measure the effect of caffeine on exercise. A calculation error saw two students accidentally given a dose of caffeine equivalent to 300 cups of coffee. Both were admitted to intensive care and eventually given dialysis.

In the case above, a simply misplaced decimal point was responsible for this tragic accident. Both students went on to make a full recovery, but this case really does highlight how maths can and does have a huge impact on us.

A new course for 2017

I love maths. I love the elegant way everything fits together. I love the clever tricks that turn a complicated problem into something that is recognisable and (relatively!) easy to solve. I love the way equations can model sometimes very complicated real life situations. My aim is to pass the passion I have for my subject on to others. I want to support students to achieve their potential through flexible and supportive tuition – appreciating that each learner has different commitments, motivations and ways of learning.

NEC’s new GCSE Maths is an excellent way to learn maths. As well as being the lead tutor, I have been involved in the development of the new online course. The self-contained course guides you through the specification, helping you to understand mathematical concepts by using videos, examples, detailed explanations and most importantly, plenty of opportunity to practice.

You’ll have an expert tutor, like me, to help you by interacting with you in the forums, marking and giving you comprehensive feedback on assignments and answering your questions. You’ll also have the support of your NEC course co-ordinator who will help you through any technical issues and processes such as booking your exams.

Another great feature of the new GCSE Maths is the flexibility between the foundation and the higher levels. Everyone will start off with the topics needed to cover the foundation specification. If they find they do well, they can opt to carry on and do the additional topics required for the higher specification.

I know that not everyone feels the same way as me about maths. For many, the concept of mathematics can seem daunting. If you – like many people – are daunted by maths, please don’t despair. Many adults find the childhood maths they struggled so hard with makes more sense in their adult lives. As adults we solve millions of little problems each day and maths is often really just about developing logical thinking skills, solving problems and looking for patterns and relationships – something that often comes naturally.

Read more about the new Maths GCSE from NEC, or get in touch with the Course Advice team on 0800 389 2839 or email them at info@nec.ac.uk

About the Author

Dr Sally Everitt is an NEC tutor for A level and IGCSE maths. After achieving a BSc from Leeds University she went on to do a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). Sally taught in schools for several years and became deputy head of the maths department. When she and her husband decided to relocate to Yorkshire she studied for a PhD. Sally taught undergraduates during and after this time, teaching foundation and undergraduate courses. She is also an A level examiner.