Yavneh College

Name Yavneh College  
Type Academy School  
Location Borehamwood  
Cohort GCSE Maths cohort size: 180 Cohort SEN: 14%

Background

Yavneh College is a comprehensive Jewish school based in Borehamwood. Yavneh College was established in 2006 and has consistently achieved great results at GCSE and A level. The school is constantly looking for ways to build and improve.

Head of Mathematics, Ben Bentley, tells us about the school's experience with Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths.
Ben Bentley, Head of Mathematics, Yavneh College

The GCSE and A level papers follow a sensible and accessible format

We have been with Pearson Edexcel for GCSE Maths since 2006. One of the key things we value is the resources available, and the support given by staff at Pearson. Having a representative assigned to the school was invaluable. The GCSE and A level papers follow a sensible and accessible format and problems with the papers are regularly listened to.

In the first year of the new specification the Foundation paper was wordy which meant that some lower-attaining pupils struggled to access the paper. This was rectified for the next sitting and the papers now focus on maths skills rather than language skills. There is only a limited amount of tier 2 vocabulary words used so less language for pupils to decipher.

The diagnostic papers which help determine whether pupils should be sitting the Foundation or Higher paper support us with knowing what paper is best suited to an individual pupil, and help the pupil and parents understand why a decision in tiering has been made. It makes them feel a sense of autonomy over their learning.

Also, the annual conference for Heads of Departments is extremely useful.

The shadow papers are fantastic 

Pupils are able to complete a paper of 'Next Step Tasks' and are able to focus on their misconceptions. Having problem-solving papers is a great way for pupils to get used to applying their knowledge. The one-marker papers for Foundation are great at helping the lower-attaining pupils secure their understanding. Also, the aiming-for-different-grade papers are useful. The examWizard is excellent, and we make a number of revision papers from this.

The amount of papers that are locked and follow the same format as the GCSE Papers is great. We have used the Mock Papers for several assessments.

Questions are easy to understand, not too wordy and focus on key skills as well as applying them

The Foundation paper has improved over the last few years. It has become clearer as well that any pupil aiming for a Grade 4/5 should only be doing the Foundation paper, which has inevitably raised the grade boundaries.

Our pass rate has increased over time

In 2019, 94% of our pupils achieved Grade 9–4 and 34% Grade 9–7. Our grade 5s were slightly down in 2019 and so we have set this improving this as a target, as well as increasing our Grade 9s. We have set up a form time maths intervention as well as a Sixth Form Maths Mentoring program. The practice papers are useful as extra resources for intervention classes.