New Level 3 Maths Qualification - 'Core' Maths

The Department for Education (DfE) has provided some more guidance about what the new Core Maths qualification will look like. This information is in addition to their announcement in December 2013. The DfE is inviting comments on the guidance in a consultation that is open until 26 May 2014.

The guidance from the DfE includes details about the qualification’s objectives, size, recognition, content, grading and assessment.

The points you need to know are:

  • Core Maths will count as the maths element of the new Tech Bacc and in a new 16 to 19 performance measure, which will show the proportion of students who achieve level 3 maths qualifications.
  • It will not be a compulsory qualification.
  • It will suit students who achieve an A* to C in GCSE Maths but do not wish to study AS or A-level Maths.
  • Core Maths will be a level 3 qualification accredited by Ofqual. It will be around half the size of an A-level with mainly end-of-course examination.
  • It will complement a wide range of current post-16 qualifications, including non-maths AS and A-levels, and vocational qualifications.
  • The content will mainly reflect that of the new GCSE Maths higher tier (first teaching 2015) with around 20% taken from AS/A-level maths and/or other areas.
  • It will focus on problem solving and developing skills needed in real-life and for studying. Core Maths qualifications must have recognition from employers, higher education and professional bodies.
  • Core Maths will be widely available for first teaching from September 2015. You'll be able to see the specification from autumn 2014.
  • The DfE is also funding a Core Maths support programme to help schools and colleges to introduce new qualifications, for example, by sharing effective teaching and providing support for the professional development of teachers and lecturers.

 

Andrew Taylor, AQA Head of Maths, said,

"AQA fully supports the aims of core maths. For many years we have sought to widen participation in maths for 16 - 19 year olds through our level 3 Advanced Free-Standing Maths Qualifications. These proven and popular qualifications continue to be available to schools and colleges, and we will draw on our wide experience of designing these to provide more high quality core maths qualifications and support materials. Our Free-Standing Maths Qualifications are supported by The Nuffield Foundation who provide online resources, including schemes of work, student sheets and teachers' notes.

We look forward to working with teachers, the Department for Education, higher education, employers and Ofqual to develop core maths qualifications that meet students' needs for further study, employment and life.”

For more information about our existing qualifications please email the AQA maths team or contact them by telephone on 0161 957 3852. To get involved in this exciting new development please complete this webform.

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