Advanced level mathematics: Difference between revisions
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It has been suggested{{By whom|date=May 2010}} that the high proportion of candidates who obtain grade A makes it difficult for universities to distinguish between the most able candidates. The 2010 exam session has introduced an A* grade that distinguishes between better candidates.<ref>http://www.cie.org.uk/news/features/detail?feature_id=31480</ref> |
It has been suggested{{By whom|date=May 2010}} that the high proportion of candidates who obtain grade A makes it difficult for universities to distinguish between the most able candidates. The 2010 exam session has introduced an A* grade that distinguishes between better candidates.<ref>http://www.cie.org.uk/news/features/detail?feature_id=31480</ref> |
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The A* grade in maths is awarded to candidates who achieve an A (480/600) in their overall A Level as well as achieving a combined score of 180/200 in modules Core 3 and Core 4. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 15:58, 13 September 2011
Advanced Level (A-Level) Mathematics is a qualification of further education taken in the United Kingdom and occasionally in other countries as well. In the UK A-Level exams are traditionally taken by 18-year-olds after a two-year course at a sixth form or college. Advanced Level Further Mathematics is often taken by students who wish to study a mathematics based degree at university.
Like other A-level subjects, mathematics has been assessed in a modular system since the introduction of Curriculum 2000, whereby each candidate must take six modules, with the combined score of these modules determining the final grade. Most students will complete three modules in one year, which will create an AS-level qualification in their own right and will complete the A-level course the following year with three more modules.
Further mathematics
Some mathematics students will choose to take an A-level in Further Mathematics which requires taking a further 6 modules to give a second qualification. The grades of the two A-levels will be independent of each other. Not all schools are able to offer Further Mathematics, due to teachers not being qualified, so to fulfill the demand extra tutoring such as from the Further Mathematics Support Programme is available.[1]
Results and statistics
Each module carries a maximum of 100 points towards the total grade and each module is also given a separate grade depending on its score. The number of points required for different grades are defined below:
| Grade | Module (Out of 100) | AS level (Out of 300) | A level (Out of 600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 80 | 240 | 480 |
| B | 70 | 210 | 420 |
| C | 60 | 180 | 360 |
| D | 50 | 150 | 300 |
| E | 40 | 120 | 240 |
The proportion of candidated acquiring these grades in 2007 are below :
Mathematics
| Male | Female | Combined | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entries | 60093 | ||
| Grade A | 42.6% | 45.5% | 43.7% |
| Grade B | 20.8% | 22.2% | 21.4% |
| Grade C | 15.8% | 15.1% | 15.6% |
| Grade D | 10.9% | 10.0% | 10.4% |
| Grade E | 6.4% | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| Grade U (Fail) | 3.5% | 2.2% | 3.0% |
Further mathematics
| Male | Female | Combined | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entries | 7972 | ||
| Grade A | 57.1% | 56.2% | 56.8% |
| Grade B | 19.4% | 20.2% | 20.3% |
| Grade C | 11.6% | 10.9% | 11.4% |
| Grade D | 6.6% | 6.2% | 6.5% |
| Grade E | 3.6% | 3.0% | 3.4% |
| Grade U (Fail) | 1.7% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
Criticisms
It has been suggested[by whom?] that the high proportion of candidates who obtain grade A makes it difficult for universities to distinguish between the most able candidates. The 2010 exam session has introduced an A* grade that distinguishes between better candidates.[2]
The A* grade in maths is awarded to candidates who achieve an A (480/600) in their overall A Level as well as achieving a combined score of 180/200 in modules Core 3 and Core 4.
See also
References
- ^ "Supporting and Promoting Advanced and Further Mathematics". The Further Mathematics Support Programme. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
- ^ http://www.cie.org.uk/news/features/detail?feature_id=31480