Additional mathematics, additional choice
Andrew Shipway, Qualifications Manager, discusses the new Level 2 Additional Mathematics qualification and what learners and teachers need to know.
Mathematics and numeracy continues to be an important discipline that underpins much of what we do in our daily lives. From logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, to a firm understanding of how to interpret and analyse information, this area of learning and experience offers a wealth of opportunities to develop learners’ skills. These competencies are not only vital for success in future learning and careers, but also for managing personal finances, making informed decisions and engaging confidently with the world around us.
My colleague Oliver Stacey highlighted how the new GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy qualification meets the needs of learners in his blog Integrating mathematics and numeracy: the new double award explained.
Recognising the importance of mathematics and numeracy, Qualifications Wales committed to developing a new, made-for-Wales Level 2 Additional Mathematics qualification which would build on the success of the legacy qualification to make it more flexible, more accessible and more appealing.
Why the change?
The legacy qualification achieved considerable participation, but its impact has been limited to those who have been able to allocate a substantial portion of their timetable to it.
Our consultation on the range of national qualifications available for 14 to 16-year-olds highlighted a need for a more flexible approach. This would open up the opportunity to learn about mathematics and numeracy beyond the content that sits in the new double award GCSE to a wider pool of learners.
The legacy qualification provides a great stepping stone to AS and A level mathematics. And while the Curriculum for Wales acknowledges the important role of individual disciplines like mathematics and numeracy, it also aims to encourage strong and meaningful links across disciplines.
We saw an opportunity to broaden the content for Level 2 Additional Mathematics to enable more links to be made with other subject areas within Curriculum for Wales, which in turn can enhance, stimulate and support learning and offer progression to more AS and A levels, and other Level 3 qualifications, wider than just mathematics.
How will it change?
While aspects of the qualification will be similar to those who are familiar with the legacy qualification, we have responded to feedback from stakeholders.
Therefore, the new Level 2 Additional Mathematics qualification will now offer more flexibility than ever before.
Schools will be able to tailor the amount and combination of mathematics they offer to learners. Learners will be able to choose to do a little more mathematics, or a more substantial amount of mathematics and be recognised for it.
We’ve expanded the range of units available to include both pure and applied mathematics. The new qualification comprises six units which centres and learners can select from:
- algebra
- calculus
- geometry and trigonometry
- statistics
- mechanics
- discrete and decision mathematics
Routes through the qualification
This flexibility is illustrated by the range of different routes through it.
Learners looking to obtain the full qualification will need to take algebra, calculus and one other unit. Algebra and calculus have proven to be the most popular units within the current qualification and by designating mandatory units we can maintain comparability through the different routes of the qualification.
For those who do not take a combination of units that lead to a full qualification, they will be awarded a certificate to demonstrate their achievements in their chosen units. This gives learners the option to study a combination of units of their own choosing, for example:
- one or two units of their choice
- three units that do not lead to the award of the full qualification
- more than three units
There will be opportunity to sit the algebra or calculus exam in the January sitting, which will enable those choosing to do the full qualification to spread the assessments over multiple exam series.
Individual units and the overall qualification will be graded pass, merit or distinction.
What will this change mean for learners and schools?
The new qualification will continue to provide stretch for learners who are considering progression onto AS and A level Mathematics. However, it will not be a prerequisite for those hoping to progress.
Supporting learners’ mathematical ability, conceptual understanding and confidence, this new qualification will appeal to a broader range of learners and support progression to post-16 learning in a variety of different subject areas. For example, the discrete and decision mathematics unit covers algorithms relevant to computer science, while the mechanics unit includes content on forces which has relevance to physics and engineering.
Supporting teachers through change
To help centres prepare for first teaching, WJEC will provide a suite of bilingual digital resources and professional learning opportunities. These will support effective delivery with the aim of helping teachers feel confident in guiding learners through this exciting newly reformed qualification.
You can keep up to date with available training and resources via WJEC’s website.