Assessing the new GCSE Maths

During the pilot, new-style questions and question papers have been developed, to test all new GCSE Maths students appropriately. The papers use a combination of data sheets, open-ended questions and task-based scenarios, to ensure that:

• there are no unnecessary barriers to achievement – the language and layout of the questions is accessible to students of all abilities
• students are motivated to perform in the exam hall – the order and the type of questions guide students through the exam paper
• opportunity exists for all abilities – questions at an appropriate level and range of difficulty help lower-ability students achieve, while stretching and challenging them.

New-style questions

Phil Eadie, a Maths teacher at an AQA pilot centre, describes the different style of assessment:

‘…there was a set of data and questions based on stride lengths. The students enjoyed it when we took them outside and started measuring stride lengths to make them more familiar with the context and the kind of question, but in a very practical, hands-on manner and, of course, they liked that.’

Leanne Williams, Subject Leader: Maths, Vyners School, Uxbridge says: ‘Our students can access past papers and practise them, all for free, and they can take a bit of responsibility with that as well…’

Assessment criteria of new GCSE Maths

• Externally assessed (no coursework)
• Two tiers (established in 2006), ie Foundation, grades C–G, and Higher, grades A*–D
• Problem solving – a key element – requires students to make choices and develop strategies
• Shift of focus, from recall of prescribed content to process skills and problem solving