• Background
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Additional Mathematics
• A-level Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• FSMQ developments
• A-level Use of Mathematics
• GCSE Use of Mathematics
• Summary

Development based on Free-Standing Mathematics Qualifications

Developments to the Free-Standing Mathematics Qualifications (FSMQ) have been carried out in conjunction with the pilots for GCE and GCSE use of Mathematics, which use FSMQs as component units. Much of the work on these contracts is based on the results of a substantial stakeholder questionnaire sent to over 7000 centres in autumn 2006. Summaries of the three specific contracts under this heading are given below.

Free-Standing Mathematics Qualifications

• FSMQs are offered at three levels, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.
• FSMQs at all levels continue to be graded A to E
• FSMQs at all levels continue to be based on pre-release data sheets
• Foundation (level 1) units continue to be assessed by both written paper and portfolio
• Pilot Intermediate (level 2) and Advanced (level 3) units are assessed by written examination only
• FSMQs continue to attract School and College Performance Table points and, for Advanced (level 3) units, UCAS points.

Update: September 2010

• Over 3500 entries were made for pilot Advanced FSMQs and over 2500 entries for pilot Foundation and Intermediate FSMQs in Summer 2010.
• Post-pilot level 1 and level 2 FSMQs are expected to be available for first teaching from September 2011.
• Meetings for pilot centres will be held in September to review the 2010 examinations and look to the future and the post-pilot qualifications.

Update: September 2009

• Over 2000 entries were made for pilot Advanced FSMQs and over 2500 entries for pilot Foundation and Intermediate FSMQs in Summer 2009.
• GCE/GCSE Use of Mathematics and FSMQ: meetings were held in June 2009 to review the summer 2009 examinations and to gather feedback and offer support to pilot centres.
• First certification of AS/A-level Use of Mathematics.
• QCDA completed a public consultation in July 2009 on the draft criteria for GCE Use of Mathematics and GCE Use of Statistics, which will significantly affect the future development of these qualifications.

2008 activities

• More than 2000 candidates from 32 centres sat pilot FSMQ examinations in June 2008
• FSMQs and GCSE Use of Mathematics: meetings were held in June 2008 to review the summer 2008 examinations and to gather feedback and offer support to pilot centres
• Further Advanced (level 3) FSMQs have been written or revised
• Advanced level FSMQs now available as stand-alone qualifications and also for inclusion in the pilot GCE Use of Mathematics are:
  • Data Analysis
  • Decision Mathematics
  • Dynamics
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Mathematical Principles for Personal Finance
    plus at A2 standard
  • Calculus

2007 activities

• FSMQs and GCSE Use of Mathematics: meetings were held in November and early December to gather feedback and to offer support to pilot centres.