Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can this qualification be taken outside of Northern Ireland ?
A. Yes.The qualification is only accredited within Northern Ireland. However, it is an excellent basis for students progressing to A Level, and many UK centres find it an extremely beneficial qualification for stronger candidates.
Q. Can a student take Additional Mathematics instead of GCSE Mathematics?
A. No, GCSE Higher Tier Mathematics must already have been taken, or it must be taken simultaneously.
Q. What grades are available for GCSE Additional Mathematics?
A. We award GCSE Additional Mathematics on a five-grade scale: A, B, C, D and E. Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for grade E are recorded as U (unclassified) and do not receive a GCSE certificate.
Q. What form does the examination take?
A. Students must sit two two-hour question papers. Paper 1 is Pure Mathematics and counts for 50% of the award, and Paper 2 is Mechanics (25%) and Statistics (25%).
Q. What topics are covered on the papers?
A. Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics.
Q. What level of mathematical knowledge does a student need to possess in order to sit GCSE Additional Mathematics?
A. Students are expected to have knowledge of GCSE Higher Tier Mathematics.
Q. Are students allowed to use a calculator for the exam?
A. Yes, students must use a calculator with the following minimum functions: +, −, ×, ÷, √, single memory, sin x, cos x, tan x, 1/x, e x, and log x.
Q. At which students is the GCSE Additional Mathematics specification aimed?
A. We have designed this specification to broaden the experience of students whose mathematical ability is above average. It is particularly suited to those who:
- will follow mathematical courses at AS/A Level;
- will follow courses at AS/A Level in other subjects that require mathematics beyond GCSE; or
- who wish to extend their knowledge of mathematics.