Circular
S/IF/87/05 November 2005
TO: The Principals of Post-primary Schools and Director of Institutes of Further and Higher Education
FOR CIRCULATION TO: The Head of Mathematics Department and the Examinations Officer
GCSE Two Tier Modular Mathematics Pilot
A number of centres have requested information about the allowable combinations of units in this specification and the best grades obtainable from each combination. The following information is given in response to these requests.
The minimum total UMS score (for all three components) for each grade is given in the following table:
Grade
|
Max |
A* |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
Minimum UMS required |
400 |
360 |
320 |
280 |
240 |
200 |
160 |
120 |
80 |
The completion paper for which the candidate is entered determines the Tier of entry.
Tier H candidates can access Grades A* - D (with a “drop off” E).
Tier F candidates can access Grades C – G.
The following abbreviations are used:
M1 - Module M1;
M2 - Module M2;
M3 - Module M3;
M4 - Module M4;
MF - Foundation Tier completion paper;
MH - Higher Tier completion paper;
CF - Foundation Tier coursework;
CH - Higher Tier coursework;
The maximum raw mark and UMS for each of the assessment units is given in the following table:
Unit |
M1 |
M2 |
M3 |
M4 |
CF |
CH |
MF |
MH |
Raw mark |
98 |
98 |
98 |
98 |
24 |
24 |
126 |
126 |
UMS |
79 |
111 |
127 |
160 |
40 |
40 |
139 |
200 |
There is only one non-allowable combination of Units; M1 with MH.
Preferred combinations
The preferred combinations are set out below. It is anticipated that the vast majority of candidates will enter by one of these routes.
Module |
Coursework |
Completion paper |
Maximum UMS |
Best possible Grade |
M1 |
CF |
MF |
258 |
C |
M2 |
CF |
MF |
279 |
C |
M3 |
CH |
MH |
367 |
A* |
M4 |
CH |
MH |
400 |
A* |
Alternative combinations are permitted to allow candidates and centres the maximum flexibility in selecting the most appropriate units for each individual.
It is permitted for a candidate who starts a course aimed at Foundation Tier to change to Higher Tier (bearing in mind that M1 with MH is a non-allowable combination).
It is also permitted for a candidate who starts a course aimed at Higher Tier to change to Foundation Tier. However, note that a candidate who enters for MF is a Foundation Tier candidate and therefore cannot be awarded Grade B, A or A*. A capping mechanism will ensure that the maximum total UMS for such a candidate will be “capped” at 279.
Alternative combinations
The alternative combinations are shown in the table on the next page. It is anticipated that they will only be used in cases where candidates move between Tiers.
Module |
Coursework |
Completion paper |
Maximum UMS |
Best possible Grade |
|
M1 |
CH |
MF |
258 |
C |
|
||||
|
M2 |
CH |
MF |
279 |
C |
|
M2 |
CF |
MH |
351 |
A |
|
M2 |
CH |
MH |
351 |
A |
|
||||
|
M3 |
CF |
MF |
279 |
C |
|
M3 |
CF |
MH |
367 |
A* |
|
M3 |
CH |
MF |
279 |
C |
|
||||
|
M4 |
CF |
MF |
279 |
C |
|
M4 |
CF |
MH |
400 |
A* |
|
M4 |
CH |
MF |
279 |
C |
NB 279 indicates that the total UMS has been capped at the maximum score for
Grade C because the candidate has taken MF.
|
