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Introducing new Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics qualifications
Interview with Luka Hunter, International Academic Portfolio Manager, Pearson
We have recently launched a new suite of Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) qualifications.
This video has been designed provide you with information about the key features of the
new Mathematics specifications.
Before we go into detail about the new Mathematics specifications, we wanted to give you a quick
overview of some of the key changes to the whole suite of Edexcel International GCSEs
(9-1):
The first feature to highlight is that we have introduced a new 9-1 grading scale: With
9 as the top grade, to ensure we're really differentiating top performing students and
also providing greater differentiation in the middle of the range, with 3 grades; 4,
5 and 6, equivalent to the old grades B and C.
The second feature is that the qualifications are now more relevant for international students:
With an increased amount of international content, including the addition of more international
content topics and the use of local contexts where possible.
The third key feature to highlight is that have also made sure they continue to support
progression to further study and are fully comparable with new UK GCSEs: Developed with
the help of teachers and higher education representatives, they provide seamless progression
to further study, including A levels and beyond. They are also fully comparable with the new
UK GCSEs in terms of the content, level of demand and assessment standards.
Now Graham Cummings, Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for Mathematics, will talk in more
detail about the updates to the new Mathematics A, Mathematics B and Further Pure Mathematics
specifications.
This is to support teachers to feel really confident delivering the new Edexcel International
GCSE (9-1) Mathematics specifications, from September 2017 onwards.
Interview with Graham Cummings, Edexcel Mathematics Subject Advisor, Pearson
Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics qualifications?
So you might be asking yourself, why choose Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics
qualifications?
One of the key things to highlight is that we've listened to feedback from all parts
of the international school community; including a large number of teachers. As a result, we've
made changes that will engage students and give them the skills to support progression
to further study of Mathematics and a wide range of other subjects.
We've ensured that all our question papers are accessible for students of all ability
ranges. Our mark schemes are straightforward, so that the assessment requirements are clear
at the outset.
They are also an equivalent standard to Pearson's regulated Edexcel GCSE Mathematics qualifications,
and so are recognised globally and provide learners with the same progression routes.
So why choose Mathematics A, B and Further Pure Mathematics qualifications?
Each specification has been designed to extend students' knowledge by broadening and deepening
skills, for example: Students develop their problem-solving skills
by translating problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts.
Students will develop reasoning skills through exercises such as presenting arguments and
proofs, and making deductions and drawing conclusions from mathematical information.
They also provide teachers with the choice of offering Mathematics A, B and Further Pure
Mathematics qualifications, offering you the flexibility to select a specification that
best meets the needs of your learners. Each Mathematics specification has been designed
to develop and stretch students in different ways.
The features of the different Maths specifications appear on screen
Mathematics A provides tiered papers: at two tiers of entry (Higher and Foundation) that
allow students to be entered for a level appropriate to them with questions in each tier that are
accessible to students of all abilities within that tier. Mathematics A also offers equally
weighted papers, as feedback from teachers indicated that this is a popular assessment
model so we have retained this feature to ensure a continuity and familiarity of approach.
Mathematics B and Further Pure Mathematics are higher tier only: To stretch and challenge
high-achieving students. Mathematics B and Further Pure Mathematics also provide an alternative
assessment model, which includes the requirement for extended answers to more in-depth questions;
very useful preparation for extended problems encountered at the A Level standard and also
degree-level Maths. Further Pure Mathematics in particular is
usually taken by Mathematically gifted students: who are very likely to progress to GCE A level
or International Advanced Level Mathematics. This is because the specification topics cover
elements of the content that can be found in Core/Pure units of the GCE A level and
International Advanced Level Mathematics. Topics include: number, algebra and calculus,
geometry and trigonometry. However, it is important to note that this qualification
is not compulsory for progression to GCE A level or International Advanced Level Maths.
The table on screen highlights some of the key differences between Edexcel International
GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A and B.
Teachers often ask me the following questions about the new Edexcel International GCSE (9-1)
Mathematics specifications.
1. How will universities receive the new qualifications?
Universities will treat the new International GCSE much like they have done the existing
ones and indeed Pearson's regulated GCSEs. They are recognised globally and should ensure
progression for students to universities around the world.
2. Why have I seen so much change to Mathematics A?
We have developed the International GCSE Mathematics A to bring it into line with the UK regulated
GCSE qualification, which has also been redeveloped. This has meant bringing in a few topics, especially
at the Higher Tier, such as transformation of functions, compound measures, completing
the square and it's to make sure that the two qualifications are comparable wherever
they are used.
Interview with Chris Boor, Commissioning Editor, Global Schools, Pearson
We've developed a new suite of teacher and learner resources designed specifically to
support Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A and Further Pure Mathematics specifications.
These resources include textbooks and digital support, and they've gone through a rigorous
development and review process and have been endorsed by Edexcel.
They include: a rich set of activities in every chapter
to support student progression; transferable skills, embedded throughout the
resources, and signposted explicitly, which supports their development;
and exam practice tests and exam style questions, to prepare students for the assessments.
Interview with Luka Hunter, International Academic Portfolio Manager, Pearson
We also wanted to take this opportunity to highlight that the new Mathematics specifications
are supported by a wider range of teaching and learning materials, resources and training.
Support includes schemes of work, exemplar materials, ExamWizard, comprehensive textbooks,
interactive resources and Getting Ready to Teach, Teacher Training.
It also features detailed exam analysis with ResultsPlus: a service unique to Pearson that
provides free online in-depth mock and actual exam performance analysis, supporting teachers
to plan improvements in teaching and learning, driving attainment.
To find out more, please visit qualifications.pearson.com/edexcel-internationalgcse and download our Mathematics subject guide.