Linked Pair of GCSEs Pilot Support Materials

These resources commisioned by the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency (QCDA) are to support the linked pair of mathematics GCSEs piloted from September 2010, which were developed in response to Professor Adrian Smith’s inquiry into post-14 mathematics education in 2004. Together they assess the National Curriculum mathematics programme of study at Key Stage Four and include additional content to give a broader and deeper grounding in mathematics.

Powerpoint presentation. This presentation includes messages and information about the pilot qualifications and is aimed at students and their parents and carers, teachers involved in the pilot, and admissions officers for higher and further education.

Using contexts and models to support mathematical development. This article looks at ways of engaging students by starting with real life contexts, considers models and strategies that students may find helpful when working on problems, and how these models can support understanding.

Using contexts and models to support mathematical development: resource materials. These activities and examples of students' work support the Using contexts and models to support mathematical development article.

What's in a task? - Generating mathematically rich activity. This report examines what is a 'rich activity' and how the linked pair of GCSEs can provide opportunities for students to develop active learning though purposeful tasks and skillful questioning.

Connecting mathematics with reality: connecting reality with mathematics. This paper examines how the linked pair of GCSEs presents an opportunity to reconsider how students can be supported in developing skills in mathematical literacy, modelling and applications that can empower them to make sense of the world in which we live.