Maths pathways

14–19 Curriculum Pathways Project in Maths

New maths and statistics A-levels

QCA is consulting on new subject criteria for A-level maths subjects, including further maths, use of maths and statistics. The results of this consultation will impact on future specifications for all A-level maths subjects and we urge everyone with an interest in these subjects to take this opportunity to make their views known. We are responding to this consultation. Read further information for teachers on the online questionnaires.

AQA, in collaboration with Leeds University, has been awarded five contracts to trial and pilot new examinations at levels 1, 2 and 3 of the National Qualification Framework. This work represents Phase 2 of the overarching review of Maths qualifications which is being carried out in response to the publication of the Smith Report (Making Mathematics Count, Professor Adrian Smith).

Following the pilot work, new GCSE specifications will be produced for teaching from September 2010 with new FSMQ and A-level specifications produced for teaching from September 2011.

Involvement in these pilot examinations, for which appropriate qualifications (GCSE, GCE etc) will be awarded, is by invitation only to ensure that the required demographic spread and range of centre types is achieved.

We are sorry that some centres may be disappointed that they have not been able to become involved in the pilot work.

Teaching for all pilots, except AS and A-level Use of Maths, began in September 2007 with first awards available in summer 2008. The AS and A-level Use of Mathematics pilot will start in September 2008.

An independent evaluation of the Maths pathways pilots is being conducted on behalf of QCA by emp (Evaluating Mathematics Pathways) at The University of Nottingham.

Related specifications

Quick Links

Contacts

mathspathways@aqa.org.uk
(include your telephone number and a time when you are available if you would like us to call you)

External links