Using this specification

These new qualifications are available for first teaching from September 2011.

They are accredited by Ofqual for all age groups, and are now approved on section 96 for ages pre 16, 16-18 and 18+. It is anticipated that performance measures will be available for this qualification from 2014.

This policy may change in the future and schools should check with the Department for Education.

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Preparing to Teach meeting materials

A series of Preparing to Teach meetings were held in the summer term that provided:

• a brief refresher on the structure of the specifications and the assessment
• a review of some additional specimen materials and resources
• outline options for course planning and approaches to teaching

Don't worry if you missed one of these events as you can review the presentation and supporting materials on the Key Materials page

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AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics and University Technical Colleges

The Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Use of Mathematics is included in the level 2 list of technical qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that would be respected by the STEM community for use in University Technical Colleges.

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The AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics has evolved from the successful pilot GCSE Use of Maths and is equivalent in length and standard to GCSE. The reason for the change of name to the AQA Certificate in Use of Maths is to retain the identity, content and assessment flexibility of the pilot qualification.

• Information leaflet about this qualification

The AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics is:

• designed to engage those who are less comfortable with abstract mathematics by focussing on the application of mathematics to relevant contexts and integrating its teaching and learning with ICT;
• available as a fresh start for students who have previously been less than successful in the mathematics classroom (post-16 students);
• both practical and relevant to the real world, training students not only in numerical skills but also in problem solving and modelling;

Structure

• Two Free-standing Mathematics Qualifications (FSMQs) chosen from a range of seven listed below
  Foundation FSMQs: Money Management, Using Spatial Techniques, Using Data
  Higher FSMQs: Financial Calculations, Shape and Space, Data Handling, Algebra and Graphs
• Plus a Foundation or Higher Core unit
  The core unit will reflect the style of the other FSMQ units (and replaces Functional Mathematics which was included in the pilot GCSE Use of Mathematics).

Foundation FSMQ units are set at the level of demand of GCSE grades
C to G.
Higher FSMQ units are set at the level of demand of GCSE grades A* to D.

Assessment

• Students will take two FSMQs focussing on two areas from Finance, Data, Shape and Algebra. The core unit will assess all four of these areas but in less depth.
• All units are externally assessed 100% by written paper (calculator allowed).
• Pre-release data sheets available for all units so teachers can ensure that students are familiar with and understand contexts and vocabulary in advance of the examination.
• Students will earn graded certificates for individual FSMQ units that they pass irrespective of whether they pass the AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics overall.

Progression

Students who successfully complete the AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics can progress to AS or A-level Use of Mathematics. It is unlikely, however, that the AQA Certificate in Use of Mathematics would provide a good foundation for traditional A-level Mathematics.

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Full details