GCSE Use of Mathematics
2011 exams update
Examples of completed answer books – good practice and areas for improvement – added June 2011
Our question paper style and how our examiners will mark long answers on screen
As confirmed in December 2009 and March 2010 Updates, exams with separate question papers and answer books (unconstrained answer books) will use the new:
- simplified, two-digit question numbering system
- style of answer book with spaces for candidates to write the two-digit question numbers.
Here is confirmation of the approach taken in your subject:
January and March 2011 9350 GCSE Use of Mathematics Pilot
| Unit code | Title | Numbering system | Type of answer book | Size of answer book |
| 4368 | Mathematics Level 2 | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 24 pages |
June 2011 9350 GCSE Use of Mathematics Pilot
| Unit code | Title | Numbering system | Type of answer book | Size of answer book |
| 4368 | Mathematics Level 2 | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 20 pages |
| 9981/W | Money Management | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 12 pages |
| 9982/W | Using Spatial Techniques | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 12 pages |
| 9983/W | Using Data | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 12 pages |
| 9984 | Financial Calculations | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 12 pages |
| 9985 | Shape and Space | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 16 pages |
| 9986 | Data Handling | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 16 pages |
| 9988 | Algebra & Graphs | traditional | Combined question paper answer book | 12 pages |
If components are working with combined question paper answer books, you need read no further.
This guidance supports you to work with the new numbering system and new answer books with continued success and confidence in the 2011 exams:
- Review of summer 2010 exams and guidance for centres on 2011 exams
- Teacher Guide (revised)
- Exams Officer and Invigilator Guide (revised)
- Student Guide (revised)
- Question papers and mark schemes:
- Summer 2010 materials are available to view in the Secure Key Materials area of e-AQA
- Specimen materials are available for download from the subject pages of aqa.org.uk
- Examples of candidates' work:
- AQA Research Team Papers:
Marking long answers on screen
- Reliability of on-screen marking of essays
- A concurrent approach to estimating the reliability of electronic marking of long form answers
- Using the Think Aloud Method to investigate electronic marking of long form answers
- The impact of e-marking on Enquiries After Results 2006/2007
- The impact of e-marking on Enquiries After Results 2005/2006
New AQA Numbering System
Archive
- This is designed to provide an appropriate GCSE qualification for post Key Stage 4 students who, hitherto, have been unsuccessful with the mainstream GCSE Maths qualifications
- The specification offers a different approach to teaching, learning and assessment and involves problem-solving and modelling
- GCSE Use of Mathematics is endorsed by the DCSF as an appropriate qualification for students who require the equivalent of GCSE Mathematics for entry to academic/professional programmes
- GCSE Use of Mathematics consists of three units: Functional Maths plus two FSMQs at either Intermediate (level 2) or Foundation (level 1)
- Grades A* to G are available for the GCSE (though using only Foundation level FSMQs limits candidates to grades D and below)
- From September 2010 the pilot Functional Maths unit will be replaced by the newly accredited level 2 Functional Skills qualification.
Key documents
Read/download in PDF format:
Contact us to request specimen assessment materials.
Update: September 2010
- 984 candidates entered GCSE Use of Mathematics in Summer 2010.
- It is expected that the last examinations for GCSE Use of Mathematics will take place in June 2012.
- A post-pilot version of this qualification, accredited as the AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics, will be available for teaching from September 2011. First examinations will be in summer 2012. This new qualification will include new level 1 and level 2 FSMQs and the Functional Mathematics unit used in the pilot qualification has been replaced by a unique Core unit.
Update: September 2009
- 897 candidates from 14 centres certificated GCSE Use of Mathematics in Summer 2009.
- Meetings were held in June 2009 to provide feedback on the summer examinations and news on developments for pilot centres.
- It is expected that the last examinations for GCSE Use of Mathematics will take place in 2011.
- Despite strong support from the mathematics community, GCSE Use of Mathematics will not be allowed to continue beyond the pilot. AQA is developing a successor qualification which will draw as much as possible from the pilot. It is hoped that this new qualification will be available from 2011.
Qualification numbers for the pilot units are as follows:
- 100/6451/5 AQA GCSE Use of Mathematics (Pilot)
- 100/6445/X AQA Foundation Level FSMQ: Money Management (Pilot)
- 100/6446/1 AQA Foundation Level FSMQ: Using Spatial Techniques (Pilot)
- 100/6447/3 AQA Foundation Level FSMQ: Using Data (Pilot)
- 100/6452/7 AQA Intermediate Level FSMQ: Financial Calculations (Pilot)
- 100/6453/9 AQA Intermediate Level FSMQ: Shape and Space (Pilot)
- 100/6455/2 AQA Intermediate Level FSMQ: Algebra and Graphs (Pilot)
- 100/6454/0 AQA Intermediate Level FSMQ: Data Handling
2008 activities
- 680 candidates from 15 centres took GCSE Use of Mathematics in June 2008
- FSMQs and GCSE Use of Mathematics: meetings were held in June to review the summer 2008 examinations and to gather feedback and offer support to pilot centres.
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.
Maths Pathways contacts
(include your telephone number and a time when you are available if you would like us to call you)
Other specifications