Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is Entry Level Mathematics (Mathematics for Life) aimed at?
A. The target group for a course based on this specification is students, below school-leaving age, for whom GCSE Mathematics is not appropriate but who are capable of demonstrating achievement at Entry 1, 2 and 3.

 

Q. What topics are covered in the course?
 A. The subject content is divided into four areas, which correspond to the four

Assessment Objectives:

  • Using and Applying Mathematics;
  • Number and Algebra;
  • Shape, Space and Measures; and
  • Handling Data.

You can find more information on the subject content in Section 4 of the full specification.

 

Q. What awards can a student achieve at Entry Level Mathematics for Life?
 A. A student can achieve an award at three sub-levels: Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3, with Entry 3 being the highest.

If a student is unable to complete the full award, centres may award a certificate of achievement for the student’s Portfolio of Work; you may obtain these certificates by contacting our Assessment Administration Team on (028) 9026 1200.

 

Q. Do centres have to apply to CCEA if they require any special arrangements?
A. Yes, centres must apply to us if they require enlarged papers, modifications, etc. for visually impaired students sitting examinations. Contact our Assessment Administration Team to request application forms for these arrangements.

All other arrangements are at the discretion of the Head of Centre. These arrangements include:

  • extra time (unlimited);
  • use of reader/communicator;
  • use of amanuensis/scribe;
  • timed breaks;
  • use of word processors, etc; and
  • use of practical assistants.

 

Q. Are there any entry restrictions for Entry Level Mathematics for Life?
A. Students may not enter for an award on this specification if they are simultaneously entered for either:

  • an equivalent award on a specification offered by another awarding body; or
  • an award on our specification: Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills: Adult Numeracy.

 

Q. What are the assessment objectives for this specification?
A. The assessment objectives are:

  • (AO1) Using and Applying Mathematics;
  • (AO2) Number and Algebra;
  • (AO3) Shape, Space and Measures; and
  • (AO4) Handling Data.

These provide an indication of the skills and abilities, knowledge and understanding that students should develop through their study of the subject content.

Assessment objective AO1 is assessed in contexts provided by the other assessment objectives.

 

Q. How is Entry Level Mathematics for Life assessed?
A. The Scheme of Assessment consists of four components:

  • two externally-set and moderated investigative tasks, each weighted at nine percent of the overall award;
  • an internal assessment component weighted at 42 percent of the overall award; and
  • a written assessment (test) weighted at 40 percent of the overall award.

Each component addresses the following assessment objectives, respectively:

  • One investigative task addresses AO1 through either AO2 or AO3 or both.
  • The other investigative task addresses AO4.
  • The internal assessment addresses AO2, AO3 and AO4 through the 14 topic areas.
  • The written test, normally taken during class time, assesses all four objectives.

For full details of the assessment arrangements, see Section 3 of the full specification.

 

Q. When is the written paper sat?
A. The written paper is timetabled in March during the second year of study. The written paper is normally taken in class time and is usually supervised by the students’ own teacher.

 

Q. What support is available to teachers of Entry Level Mathematics for Life?
A. A wide range of support is available for teachers including:

  • past papers and mark schemes (from distribution section);
  • agreement trials;
  • support visits (on request);
  • support events;
  • a subject specialist specification manager;
  • Chief Examiner and Principal Moderator Reports; and
  • a CD containing investigative tasks, worksheets for the internal assessment and associated stationery.