A study carried out by the Cambridge Assessment exam board found that pupils are able to achieve A and B grades in mathematics GCSE with little algebraic understanding.
Schools then have to run catch-up classes in algebra before A level maths lessons begin – to compensate for gaps in students’ knowledge.
Mathematics teachers from 179 schools offering OCR’s mathematics exams were quizzed about whether GCSEs prepare pupils well for A level.
The teachers identified mathematical proof, unstructured problem-solving, familiarity with technology and algebraic fluency as areas where GCSEs do not prepare youngsters sufficiently well.
Asked which areas of mathematics would benefit from being taught in greater depth during the GCSE years, 61 per cent of teachers cited algebra.
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