Planned changes to International GCSE Mathematics | Pearson qualifications

Planned changes to International GCSE Mathematics for UK and International centres - latest news

Fri Dec 18 17:13:00 UTC 2015

Development of the new specification and sample assessment materials is progressing well, and we are on course to release final materials in February 2016. This is an overview of the changes that we are making to our qualifications.

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Mathematics A

  • A move from the current A*–G to the new 9–1 grading structure
  • Some minor additions to the content assessed at each tier to reflect this new 9–1 grading structure
  • A small increase in the Number & Algebra assessment objective weighting at the expense of Statistics
  • A few more questions on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning
  • A revised formulae sheet at each tier.

Beyond the above, we are not changing how we assess the International GCSE Mathematics Specification A, which will continue to have two tiers of entry and two × two-hour calculator papers.

Mathematics B

  • A move from the current A*–G to the new 9–1 grading structure, with grades 4–9 awarded for this qualification (and an allowable grade 3)
  • clarification points made to the following sections: number, algebra, functions, geometry, vectors, and statistics and probability, but no new content
  • the formulae sheet has had area and circumference of a circle removed, to make it in line with the Maths A higher tier formulae sheet.

We are not changing how we assess International GCSE Mathematics Specification B, which will continue to have two calculator papers (at a single tier of entry). The first paper will continue to be worth 33.3% and assessed for 1 hours 30 mins, and the second paper worth 66.6% and assessed for 2 hours 30 mins.

Further Pure Mathematics

  • A move from the current A*–G to the new 9–1 grading structure, with grades 4–9 awarded for this qualification (and an allowable grade 3)
  • no changes to the content
  • clarification on reference to the formulae sheet in the notes
  • a new formulae sheet created, which will be provided in the examination for Papers 1 and 2.

We are not changing how we assess International GCSE Further Pure Mathematics, which will continue to have one tier of entry and be composed of two calculator papers, each two hours long.

These changes are intended to ensure that the qualifications remain comparable to the regulated GCSE Mathematics and continue to support progression to Level 3 study and beyond. The introduction of the new 9–1 grading structure will provide greater differentiation of the most able at the top end of the grading scale, better identifying student potential and putting you in a stronger position to help students make informed decisions about their A level and university choices.

The new International GCSE Mathematics Specifications A and B will be available for first teaching in September 2016 and first assessment in summer 2018. The new International GCSE Further Pure Mathematics specification will be available for first teaching in September 2017 with first assessment in summer 2019. Alongside the new specifications and sample assessment materials, we will be providing you with a wide range of teaching and learning materials, resources and training to support you in delivering the new qualifications.

If you have any questions or would like to be kept informed of progress, or would like to ensure you receive invitations to Getting Ready To Teach events next year, please get in touch.

Find out more about planned updates to our suite of Edexcel International GCSE qualifications for 2016 and 2017:

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