Exploration of questions from GCSE Maths A: Identifying the types of question that candidates find the most and least demanding, within a topic

Abstract

Following each live examination session, senior examiners for GCSE and A-level produce reports on candidate performance in that examination.

This paper explores how such reporting might be further enhanced, through the inclusion of the outcomes from detailed statistical analysis of live test data. The qualification selected for this initial piece of work was the AQA GCSE Mathematics A specification, at Higher Tier.

As a Higher Tier qualification, grades A* - D are available. The data analysed came from the 2008-2011 examinations. This qualification is linear, with candidates completing their examination at the end of two years of study.

How to cite

Jackson, M. and Lismore-Burns, R. (2012). Exploration of questions from GCSE Maths A: Identifying the types of question that candidates find the most and least demanding, within a topic. Manchester: AQA Centre for Education Research and Policy.

Keywords

• Question difficulty
• Assessment design