Qualification at a Glance

The assessments will cover the following content headings:

1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change
4. Geometry and measures
5. Probability
6. Statistics

• Two tiers are available: Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier).
• Each student is permitted to take assessments in either the Foundation tier or Higher tier.
• The qualification consists of three equally weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier.
• All three papers must be at the same tier of entry and must be completed in the same assessment series.
• Paper 1 is non-calculator and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3.
• Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes long.
• Each paper has 80 marks.
• The content outlined for each tier will be assessed across all three papers.
• Each paper will cover all Assessment Objectives, in the percentages outlined for each tier.
• Each paper has a range of question types; some questions are set in both mathematical and non-mathematical contexts.
• See Appendix 3 for formulae that can be provided in the examination.
• Two assessment series are available per year: May/June and November.
• First assessment series: May/June 2017.
• The qualification is graded on a 9 to 1 scale using the total mark across all three papers.
• Foundation tier: grades 1 to 5.
• Higher tier: grades 4 to 9 (grade 3 allowed).