GCSE mathematics pilot qualifications for 2010

September 2009

Contents (amend as necessary)

GCSE mathematics from 2010 Background GCSE mathematics pilot qualifications Aims Benefits Development and regulation Availability Timeline Evaluation Grades and results Functional skills More information

GCSE mathematics from 2010

DCSF has commissioned QCDA to work on the development of new GCSE mathematics qualifications from September 2010 QCDA is implementing a new single GCSE developing a second pathway based on a pilot of a

linked pair of GCSE qualifications

Background

The philosophy behind the creation of the linked pair is to provide learners with a rich experience of mathematics, enabling them to understand its importance in analysing problems related to both the real world and to mathematics itself The linked pair of GCSEs has been devised after close co-operative work between ACME, JMC and QCDA

Aims

To use two GCSE mathematics qualifications to cover the rigorous core

national curriculum programme of study

To include additional content to give a broader grounding in both

methods in mathematics

and

applications of mathematics

To give learners more opportunities to see how mathematics works in the real world as well as engaging in more conceptual thinking

GCSE mathematics pilot qualifications

Two linked qualifications Which

together

cover the key stage 4 programme of study plus some additional content

GCSE methods in mathematics

focus on mathematical reasoning and analysis

GCSE applications of mathematics

applications of mathematics in contexts that are relevant to the real world including financial and statistical applications

Benefits

The pilot qualifications will provide learners and teachers with a rich experience of mathematics provide learners with greater opportunities for using and interpreting mathematics aim to improve attitudes towards mathematics aim to inspire and prepare young people to continue mathematics studies beyond GCSE recognise and reward the amount of effort required by students (and achieve two GCSEs)

Availability of the pilot

The pilot qualifications will be offered by GCSE awarding organisations in England and Wales be available in a variety of centre types be available to a range of learners

Development and regulation

Key development partners

Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education

(ACME)

Joint Mathematical Council

(JMC)

Department for Children, Schools and Families

(DCSF)

Department for Children, Education, Life Long learning and Skills

(DCELLS, Wales) Based on criteria frameworks developed in consultation with ACME, JMC, awarding organisations, subject associations and teachers Regulated by

Ofqual

, the independent exams regulator, and

DCELLS

Timeline

First teaching of pilot qualifications from September 2010 (same as new single award GCSE) Pilot specifications available from autumn 2009 Three year pilot (running until 2013) In-depth evaluation followed by development of criteria and development and accreditation of high quality specifications Consistent with 2013 review of qualifications Likely first teaching of live qualifications September 2015 (pending consideration of pilot outcomes)

Evaluation

QCDA will run an independent evaluation of the pilot qualifications which will investigate a number of areas including the quality of the qualifications how the pilot model is managed in centres impact on resources drivers and obstacles to qualification take-up impact on participation, attainment and progression

Grades and results

During the pilot, achievement of a grade C or above in either of the pilot GCSEs or the single award GCSE will count towards five GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and mathematics A grade C or above in either of the pilot GCSEs will only count for these purposes if the learner is entered for both pilot GCSEs

Functional skills

The pilot qualifications (and the single award GCSE) will include functional elements of mathematics Results for the pilot qualifications (and the single award GCSE) will not be dependent on the award of a separate functional skills qualification

More information

www.qcda.gov.uk/24956.aspx

More details about the pilot including a factsheet for teachers and lecturers Keep checking this page for new materials and details of events and focus groups

More information

Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) www.acme-uk.org Joint Mathematical Council (JMC) www.jmcuk.org.uk Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) www.dcsf.gov.uk

Regulators

Ofqual www.ofqual.gov.uk

DCELLS http://wales.gov.uk/about/departments/dcells/?lang=en