What are FSMQs?

Free-Standing Mathematics Qualifications

  • FSMQ are aimed at post-16 students.
  • Levels 1–3 in the National Qualifications Framework.
  • The FSMQ may be taken alongside any qualification, and taken as either an individual unit or several units.
  • These units give students an opportunity to develop real-world mathematical understanding.
  • FSMQ units can support a wide variety of other courses, for example providing algebraic and graphical support for science, 3D and spatial awareness for technology, statistics for geography and psychology, or decision maths for business and IT.
  • Advanced units are worth UCAS points for university admissions.

How are they assessed?

  • There are ten units at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Each unit is a qualification in its own right. Demand ranges from the lower end of GCSE standard at Foundation level FSMQ to AS standard at Advanced level FSMQ.
  • Each unit requires 60 hours of study. Candidates must produce a coursework portfolio and pass a written examination.
  • The Award are graded A–E.
  • Four units are offered in January and all ten are available in the Summer.

Equivalents

  • All units contribute points to institution performance tables from 2007 examination. QCA have approved performance points for each level and grade.

FSMQ specifications, past papers and support materials