What do the ‘WeNeedMaths’ difficulty levels mean?
“Foundation” means that it should be accessible to most Key Stage 3 students, and all Key Stage 4 students who are looking to sit the Foundation GCSE.
It may also be accessible to some Key Stage 2 students (depending on ability), and will still be useful as revision and consolidation for those sitting the Higher GCSE paper too. It is coloured green as most students should find the problem straight forward, with teacher support/guidance only needed in lower ability groups. Normally completed in a class environment in less than 5 minutes.
“Intermediate” means that it should be accessible to those Key Stage 3 or 4 students who are looking for grade 4 or 5 at GCSE, whether sitting the Foundation or Higher papers.
It is likely to be beyond all but the most able Key Stage 2 students, but it will be useful as revision and consolidation for those sitting the Higher GCSE paper too. It is coloured amber as most students should find elements of the problem challenging, and individuals or groups will likely need to slow down to think about the problem. Some support or guidance may be needed depending on the ability of the class. Normally completed in a class environment in less than 8 minutes.
“Higher” means that it should be accessible to those Key Stage 4 students who are looking for grade 6 or above on the Higher GCSE papers. It will not be accessible for students sitting the Foundation GCSE papers.
It is coloured red as most students should find the problem challenging, and individuals or groups will likely need to slow down to think about the problem, recalling specific techniques or theorems to solve. Some support or guidance may be needed. Normally completed in a class environment in less than 12 minutes.
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