Research and analysis

GCSE maths: summary of research programme

An update to our GCSE maths research programme which explores features of the sample assessment materials developed by exam boards.

• From: Ofqual
• Published: 21 January 2015
• Last updated: 20 March 2015 — See all updates

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GCSE maths: Summary of research programme

Ref: Ofqual/15/5651

PDF, 288 KB, 3 pages

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Details

Our GCSE maths programme of research has been designed to further explore features of the sample assessment materials that have been developed by exam boards as part of the current reforms. This current design of the research programme is made up of four strands that ask the following questions:

Strand 1

Based on the views of mathematicians, what is the relative mathematical demand of questions in sample assessment materials for the new maths GCSE?

Strand 2

Based on a sample of current Year 11 students sitting the sample assessment materials, what is the relative difficulty of questions in the new maths GCSE?

Strand 3

Based on maths experts’ views of students’ model answers, which questions from the new maths GCSE sample assessment materials elicit the best mathematical problem-solving?

Strand 4

Based on the views of maths experts, how do problem-solving questions vary across the sample assessment materials for the new maths GCSE?

All four strands are scheduled to report at the end of April 2015.

Published 21 January 2015
Last updated 20 March 2015 + show all updates

1. 20 March 2015

   Updated on 20 March 2015.

2. 21 January 2015

   First published.