Independent evaluation of the pilot of the linked pair of GCSEs in mathematics
The DfE has published the second of seven formative evaluation reports on the pilot of the linked pair of GCSEs in mathematics.
The linked pair of GCSEs in mathematics qualifications are 'methods in mathematics' and 'applications of mathematics'. The two qualifications together cover the entire Key Stage (KS) 4 programme of study (PoS) for mathematics and contain some additional content. Neither qualification by itself covers the full KS4 PoS. A new single GCSE in mathematics was also developed for first teaching in September 2010 - the single qualification is 'nested' in the pair. A final, summative evaluation report will be presented in December 2013. Key findings include:
- centres report a range of reasons for participating in the pilot, including opportunity to stretch higher-attaining students, content, and flexibility to tailor the curriculum
- some centre types are under-represented in the pilot and others over-represented. The extent of under- and over-representation of different school types is not enough to be of major concern at present; indeed, in the case of schools with sixth forms, over-representation may even help to clarify the impact on progression to level 3 learning later in the pilot
- for the most part, centres were entering either whole-year cohorts or higher-attainers/gifted and talented students in the pilot, although more middle attainers (C/D borderline) were entered in Year 11. There is strong evidence to suggest that Year 11 students are being entered for the linked pair of GCSEs assessments.
Click here to access the report.
