GCSE Maths Sept 2025

The course is delivered in class-based taught sessions, supported by use of our online learning environment (Canvas). You will attend for 2 1/2 hours per week and be expected to complete approximately one hour per week of independent learning. The sessions are available during the daytime and on an evening to help you access the course at a convenient time.

GCSE Mathematics includes practical development of your skills in the five main curriculum areas; Number, Algebra, Geometry, Data Handling and Probability.

Gaining a grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics is a stepping stone into many types of education and employment. Many universities require you to have a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Mathematics to be accepted on to undergraduate courses, especially in the sciences, health and computing disciplines. Colleges also now expect a grade 4 as the standard necessary to be enrolled on Level 3 courses. Similarly, many employers now require you to have a minimum of a grade 4 in order to demonstrate you have the necessary number, reasoning and problem-solving skills needed in the modern workplace.

Achieving a grade 4 in Mathematics can help you achieve your personal or career goals, including further study at Level 3, university, employment or promotion.

There are no formal entry requirements to the course but it is expected that you will be working at a minimum of level 1 in order to maximise your chances of success. To support you in this, we also offer qualifications in Functional Skills Maths designed to provide you with the requisite knowledge and skills.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will be assessed in two final exams; Non-Calculator and Calculator, both 115 minutes in duration and completed approximately four days apart. The scores from each are aggregated to produce your final grade.

September 2025

1 year part-time.