Foundation

There are 3 Free-standing Mathematics Qualifications at this level:

• Managing money

• Working in 2 and 3 dimensions

• Making sense of data

Fundamental Principles
Underpinning the work for each of these FSMQs are fundamental principles that are developed within each of the three distinctive areas. For example proportional reasoning is included in each FSMQ but in the different contexts of calculating 'best buys', scaling drawings and gradients of linear graphs. In each FSMQ students are encouraged to carry out calculations using mental techniques and written techniques as well as using a basic calculator.

Managing money
In this FSMQ students:

• carry out calculations involving money
• make records and classify financial transactions
• investigate the effect that varying percentage rates and other factors has on costs/prices
• display results using tables, charts and graphs drawn by hand
• use spreadsheets to store data, carry out calculations and draw charts and graphs
• use results of work to make financial decisions.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.
Details of relevant books are available here.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Working in 2 and 3 dimensions
In this FSMQ students:

• use instruments to take measurements
• carry out calculations involving measurements
• use and draw plans and elevations of real situations
• use ideas and terminology of geometry to describe situations.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Making sense of data
In this FSMQ students:

• order and organise data
• display results using tables, charts and graphs drawn by hand
• calculate statistical measures
• use spreadsheets to store data, carry out calculations and draw charts and graphs
• make sense of data, graphs, charts and statistical measures produced by themselves and other people.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations. Details of relevant books are available here.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.