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Using Free Standing Maths Qualifications and AS use of mathematics


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

Introduction

Free-standing mathematics qualifications (FSMQs) and AS use of mathematics were introduced to provide students with the opportunity to develop mathematical understanding that supports their current and future studies. Each FSMQ is a single unit and the content of each unit is studied in depth so students can apply it to their area of study or work. There is a strong emphasis on appropriate use of information and communication technology (ICT) for both the study and assessment of the units.

There are 11 units at three levels (foundation/level 1, intermediate/level 2 and advanced/level 3). The units are free standing in that they are not attached to any other qualification. Each unit requires 60 hours of direct teaching time and is assessed by equally weighted elements of coursework and written examination. The units offered by the two awarding bodies are:

AQA

OCR

The AS use of mathematics qualification can be obtained by adding an extra synoptic unit, applying mathematics to working with algebra and graphical techniques and either two of the level 3 FSMQ units, using and applying statistics or modelling with calculus. Applying mathematics does not exist as a separate FSMQ.

Also see

> Case studies on Using FSMQs and AS Use of Mathematics

QCA web links

> Mathematics 14-19