We are aware of some discussion surrounding our A level Maths papers this summer. Now that all papers have been completed, we want to provide clarity and reassurance on the assessments this series.     

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All candidates received and sat the correct, intended paper for each exam. There were two versions of paper 2. We replaced the original standard version of paper 2, taken by 99.8% of candidates. A small number of students (0.2% of the cohort) who needed specific modified versions of the paper (Braille papers, or tactile models for example) sat a different paper.   

We always have multiple versions of each paper available for use in every series. This allows us to replace a paper at any stage if we need to. Decisions to replace a paper are never made lightly and can happen for a number of different reasons. When we do replace a paper, we consider carefully the student experience.     

Two different papers, whether an original and replacement, or papers sat in different series, will not always cover the same content. We are confident that the content assessed in both versions of Paper 2 is reasonable and appropriate for candidates to have accessed and effectively demonstrated their knowledge and understanding. 

Marking on both versions of paper 2 will be overseen by our senior examining team. To ensure fairness for all students, we will set grade boundaries separately for the two versions of paper 2. This approach allows us to account for any minor differences in demand between the papers, so that students are fairly rewarded for their performance.      

If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please do contact us using our support portal.   

Yours sincerely  
  
Hayley White  

Vice President Assessment, Standards and Services