GCSE Use of Mathematics – information from the pilot

This exciting development, currently in pilot, combines Intermediate and Foundation FSMQs with Functional Mathematics to create a recognised GCSE certificate. It is practical and relevant to the real world, including arithmetic skills, problem-solving and modelling. Depending on the choice of units, GCSE Use of Mathematics can be completed with or without portfolio work.

There are 3 main routes:

Data Route: Functional Mathematics + Data Handling (Intermediate FSMQ) + 1 other FSMQ (Intermediate or Foundation)

Finance Route: Functional Mathematics + Financial Calculations (Intermediate FSMQ) + 1 other FSMQ (Intermediate or Foundation)

Foundation Route: Functional Mathematics + 2 Foundation FSMQs

Achievements in individual FSMQs will, as usual, be graded A to E and are awarded irrespective of performance in GCSE Use of Mathematics. The combined result for GCSE Use of Mathematics will be graded on an 8 point scale: A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G.

For more information about the 12 possible combinations and their
assessment click here (24 KB).

The 2008 specification for GCSE Use of Mathematics is available from AQA who expect this qualification to be a popular course for post-16 students, providing them with a fresh start and a new way of approaching mathematics. The pilot is expected to run, with revisions until 2010.