Circular

S/IF/81/05 October 2005


TO: The Principals of Post-primary Schools and Director of Institutes of Further and Higher Education

FOR CIRCULATION TO: The Head of the Mathematics Department

 

GCSE Mathematics Three-Tier Specification

Examination Papers from Summer 2006

In the examination papers set so far (2003, 2004 and 2005), marks in the Intermediate and Higher Tier Papers were distributed across the Grades available in the ratio 25:25:25:25. Marks in the Foundation Tier Papers were distributed in the ratio 34:22: 22:22 across Grades G, F, E and D.

From Summer 2006, Papers in all three Tiers will be set so as to provide more questions at the lowest Grade available.

The mark distribution for each Paper at each Tier will be approximately 35:25:20:20, as shown in the following table.

Higher Tier

C

B

A

A*

Marks

35

25

20

20

 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Tier

E

D

C

B

Marks

35

25

20

20

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation Tier

G

F

E

D

Marks

35

25

20

20

These changes should make the examination more accessible for less able candidates and more satisfactory for the able.

 

If you have any queries about the content of this circular please contact

Ann Comac at CCEA on direct line (028) 9026 1402 E- mail: acomac@ccea.org.uk

or

Terry Stewart at CCEA on direct line (028) 9026 1443E-mail: tstewart@ccea.org.uk