ACME recommends greater use of FSMQs

In their recent report, ‘Mathematics in Further Education colleges, the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) identifies good practice in the management and provision of mathematics within FE institutions and makes recommendations to complement the government's policies to: increase uptake of mathematics post-16; improve the mathematics skills of workforce; and improve the overall quality of teaching and learning in the FE sector.

Some of the recommendations advocate the development and increased use of FSMQs and AS: Use of Maths.

The following recommendations are taken from pages 15 – 19 of the report.

Recommendation 8
Until new qualifications are available, Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications (FSMQs) should be given an enhanced profile and recognised as contributing to the government’s Public Service Agreement targets.

Recommendation 9
The role of FSMQ qualifications, in addition to functional mathematics, within the specialised vocational 14–19 diploma framework should be clarified by QCA. Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs) should use the FSMQ model as a basis for the design of mathematics units within specialist diplomas.

Recommendation 10
The design of functional mathematics should learn from the successful features of FSMQs, in particular ensuring a balance between process skills and mathematical content, and supporting integration into mainstream vocational or academic courses.

Recommendation 11
In trials of any new Mathematics GCE qualifications, one option should include a component in the style of AS Use of Mathematics and there should be consideration of a follow up A2 component to make this into a full A Level.

Recommendation 12
Specialist diplomas that require level 3 mathematics units should also include a component based on the style of the AS Use of Mathematics.

The report also includes examples of good practice involving FSMQs.

To download the full report, click here.