CCEA GCSE Mathematics Specification

CCEA GCSE Mathematics Specification

• Version: 2, 8 June 2017
• First teaching: September 2017
• First assessment: Summer 2018
• First award: Summer 2019
• Subject code: 2210
• Specification: A unitised course with guided learning hours of 120.
• Aims: Encourage students to develop fluent mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, acquire, select, and apply mathematical techniques, reason mathematically, and comprehend and communicate mathematical information diversely.

Aims

• Key Features: Builds on Key Stage 3 skills, provides a strong foundation for GCSE Further Mathematics/AS level Maths, helps with progression into further study and employment. Two tiers: Foundation and Higher Tier. Options of choice for each tier.

Classification Codes and Subject Combinations

• National classification code: 2210
• Potential issues if a student takes two qualifications with the same classification code or with significant content overlap, even if classification codes are different (consult schools, colleges, and universities beforehand). Students can also enter for GCSE Further Mathematics and GCSE Statistics in the same series.

Specification at a Glance

• Assessment Structure: Two units, one from M1, M2, M3, or M4, and one from M5, M6, M7 or M8. Completion test is required for an award.
• Foundation & Higher Tier Option Structures: Detailed breakdown of content, assessment method, weightings, and availability for each option combination for each tier. Specified dates of assessment (Summer 2018 & 2019/January 2019 & 2020)

Subject Content

• Unit M1 (Foundation Tier): Targets grades D, E, F, and G at GCSE and Level 1 in Functional Maths. Learning outcomes focus on number and algebra, including operations, notations, and use of calculators.
• Unit M5 (Foundation Tier Completion Test): Additional learning outcomes for problem-solving and finance, ratio and proportion, sequences, and graphs.
• Unit M2 (Foundation Tier): Targets grades C*, C, D, E, F, and G at GCSE and Level 2 in Functional Maths.
• Unit M6 (Foundation Tier Completion Test): Further content in number systems, conversions, and problem-solving techniques.
• Unit M3 (Higher Tier): Targets grades B, C*, C, D, and E at GCSE level. Topics on LCM and HCF, proportional change, different types of accuracy calculations, and quadratic expressions are included.
• Unit M7 (Higher Tier Completion Test): Further explorations of quadratic expressions, equations, and more complex calculation problems.
• Unit M4 (Higher Tier): Further algebraic functions and problem-solving in the context of more complex mathematical concepts.
• Unit M8 (Higher Tier Completion Test): Additional and more advanced problems in number manipulation and geometric applications.

Assessment Objectives

• AO1: Accurate recall of facts, terminology, and definitions; use and interpret notation correctly; and accurate completion of routine procedures.
• AO2: Making deductions and inferences, constructing chains of reasoning, interpreting information accurately, presenting arguments, and assessing the validity of arguments.
• AO3: Translating problems into mathematical processes, making connections between different areas of mathematics and evaluating solutions.

Scheme of Assessment

• Specifies that candidates must complete at least 40 percent of the requirements at the end of the course, which is used to determine the terminal grade.

Grade Descriptions

• Detailed descriptions for each grade (A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Each grade offers detailed information on the characteristic abilities that candidates in that grade demonstrate.