Mathematics in A level Assessments

This report, from Nuffield Foundation, presents the findings of a research project which mapped the mathematical and statistical content in the assessment of six A level subjects: business studies, computing, economics, geography, psychology and sociology.

Analysis of the summer 2010 examination papers from AQA, CCEA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC was conducted by experienced teachers and examiners working in groups. Using a number of common measures, they established the extent, difficulty, and type of mathematics used in the assessments.

Existing evidence showed that participation in Post-16 mathematics in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is low compared to other countries. Fewer than one in five students study mathematics after the age of 16. Also, of the students studying university courses that require mathematical knowledge beyond GCSE level, around two-thirds do not have the required skills. This infers that Post-16 students need better mathematical skills, even if they are not studying mathematics as a stand-alone subject.

The decision to undertake this project was reinforced by the knowledge that similar work was being done by SCORE (Science Community Representing Education), to investigate the mathematical content of current biology, chemistry and physics A level assessments. The aim of the SCORE project is to inform policy on the mathematics used in the criteria and assessments for science A levels, and to support its work on how the examinations system should operate to ensure science qualifications are fit for purpose.