Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will there be an A* in GCE Mathematics in 2010?
A.There will be A* awarded in GCE Mathematics beginning with the awards in summer 2010.
For Mathematics, the A* grade will be awarded to candidates achieving a grade A overall at A level and 90% of the maximum uniform marks on the aggregate of C3 and C4.
For Further Mathematics, the A*grade will be awarded to candidates achieving a grade A overall at A level and 90% of the maximum uniform marks on the aggregate of the three best A2 units which contributed to Further Mathematics.
Under the new rules, a candidate could certificate in 2009, retake a unit and apply for recertification in 2010 and be eligible for an A*. Also under the new rules for Mathematics, a candidate could certificate Mathematics in 2009, but then take other Mathematics units in 2010.
When applying for certification of AS/A level Further Mathematics, the candidate would be advised to re-certificate A level Mathematics and could be awarded an A* if he/she had more than 90% on the aggregate of C3 and C4. In summary, anyone certificating in summer 2010 will be eligible for the A*.
Q. Can a student resit a module?
A. Yes, we will count the best result in each unit towards the final award. Other results in these units will be used up.
Q. How many modules does a student need to take to complete the award?
A. Students must complete three modules for a single AS qualification. They must complete six modules for a single A Level qualification. Students who desire both an AS in Further Mathematics and an A Level in Mathematics must complete nine modules. Those who desire the A Level qualification for both Mathematics and Further Mathematics must complete 12 modules.
Q. Can students use the same units to meet the requirements for Mathematics and Further Mathematics?
A. No, students may not use units that contribute to an award in AS and A Level Mathematics to obtain an award in Further Mathematics.
Q. Is it possible for a centre to enter students for a combination of modules not listed on the allowable combinations table?
A. Yes, but centres must apply to us in writing if they wish us to consider another combination.
Q. During exams, do students have to remember all mathematical formulae?
A. No, the specification lists the formulae that will be provided for the examination.
Q. Are all modules available in the summer and winter series of exams?
A. No, units FP3, M3, M4 and S4 are only available for assessment in the summer series.
Q. What grades are available at GCE?
A. We award the AS and Advanced GCE in Mathematics and Further Mathematics on a five-grade scale: A, B, C, D and E. Performance that fails to reach the minimum standard for grade E will be recorded as U (unclassified), and these students will not receive an AS or A Level GCE certificate.
Q. What combination of modules may students take to complete the Mathematics or Further Mathematics awards?
A. Students may take any combination of modules as outlined in the allowable combinations document, this can be found in Section 2 of the Specification (Page 13)