Circular

S/IF/41/06 April 2006

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

FOR CIRCULATION TO: The Head of the Mathematics Department

 

GCSE Mathematics Coursework

The Regulatory Authorities – CCEA, QCA and the Welsh Assembly Government – carried out a general survey of GCE/GCSE coursework in 2004/05. Responses from the sample of mathematics teachers indicated that many did not consider GCSE coursework provided a reliable and/or valid method of assessment of the subject. As a result the Regulatory Authorities are surveying mathematics departments in schools and colleges to seek views on the immediate future of coursework within GCSE Mathematics.

CCEA, as an awarding body, has already responded to the coursework issue; the new 2-tier pilot GCSE specification has a reduced coursework requirement. If responses in this consultation reflect the views expressed in the 2004/05 survey we would consider removing coursework from the 2-tier pilot specification from 2007 (first teaching). Since the current CCEA 3-tier specification will be phased out over the next 2 years we would not intend to change the coursework requirements for this specification.

Your views on this issue are important so please complete and return the attached fax-back form.

 

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

Ann Comac at CCEA on direct line (028) 9026 1402