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Specification - September 2007

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Overview

This course is designed to ensure that students are equipped to meet the demands of both education and industry at this level, by providing a carefully staged route of progression and fostering an understanding of the relationship between the mathematics content and its actual use in the real world. It offers students the opportunity to acquire a valuable qualification often requested by employers.

The course differs from other mathematics courses in that it has a stronger focus in providing students with the skills and an approach to learning that will stay with them through their lives.

With this qualification, students may progress either directly to employment, or to study for an Advanced Level qualification.

Specification aims

The aims of this specification are to encourage students to:

• Develop a positive attitude to Mathematics.
• Consolidate basic skills and meet appropriately challenging work.
• Think and communicate mathematically- precisely, logically and creatively.
• Develop functional problem-solving skills so that they can apply their mathematical knowledge in everyday life, in other curriculum areas and in employment.
• Make efficient use of appropriate technology.
• Work both independently and as members of a team.
• Appreciate the place and use of Mathematics in society.
• Develop an appreciation of the interdependence of different branches of Mathematics.
• Build a firm foundation for further study.

The Modular paper (B291 or B293) specifically aims to:

• Provide an accessible paper which can be taken during the course to give students a sense of achievement and progress.
• Provide information on students' mathematical progress.
• Help students who are also working towards Key Skill Application of Number by providing the techniques they need in the early part of the course.

Entry patterns

Candidates may take the full assessment at the end of their course or they may choose to take their first (Modular) paper earlier. The following patterns illustrate the possibilities:

• A two-year course with full assessment at the end.
• A two-year course with B291 or B293 taken in June of the first year or January of the second year.
• A one-year course with full assessment at the end.
• A one-year course with B291 or B293 taken in January.
• A one-and-a-half-year course with B291 or B293 taken in June and B292 or B294 taken the following January.