IMA Position Statement on the Proposed Dual Award for GCSE Mathematics Issued by the IMA Schools & Further Education Group

The membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications is broadly in favour of a 'Dual Award' for GCSE Mathematics with a 'Use of Mathematics' course for all, as well as a more rigorous academic course for those who wish to continue their studies post 16 and beyond. There are a number of possible models being explored, under which a dual award structure could be developed. More work, and further consultation, is needed to develop these models so the dual award can provide an enhanced mathematics programme right across the ability range. The membership wishes to maintain mathematics as a compulsory subject for all students at key stage 4 though it was felt that teaching students fewer topics but each to a greater depth would be beneficial.

It is recognised that some students find areas of mathematics, such as algebra and trigonometry, very difficult and fail to ever gain a sound command of them. Nevertheless, there are many areas of mathematics which form essential life skills, both calculations, such as simple percentages, and the ability to interpret information presented numerically and graphically. It is important that any 'Use of Mathematics' course recognises and builds on students' experience and achievement at Key Stage 3, so avoiding undue repetition and taking into account students' growing maturity.

The introduction of a 'Dual Award' would also provide an opportunity to those designing the new specifications to stretch our most able students by strengthening the content to include a greater depth of understanding of essential algebra, geometry and proof.

It will be important that those teaching 'Use of Mathematics' courses are appropriately trained and qualified; this will require considerable provision in CPD and ITT. The introduction of 'Use of Mathematics' courses should not be seen as diminishing the urgent need to recruit highly-qualified mathematics graduates into teaching.

Prepared by Mr Darren Barton AMIMA, (Member, Schools & FE Group) Issued by Mr James Nicholson C.Math FIMA, (Chair, Schools & FE Group) April 2004.