Mathematics A* Grade Confusion?

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Sheo

they have changed it now so it is achievable from 2010. so people doing their a levels are able to get an A*.

Not for Maths yet. The new specification isn't available for Maths or Further Maths until September 2010. All other subjects are new A-levels so A* is achievable in those.

Reply 41

username219321

kfin08

Not for Maths yet. The new specification isn't available for Maths or Further Maths until September 2010. All other subjects are new A-levels so A* is achievable in those.

The syllabus isn't changing but people will still be able to get A*s

Reply 42

kfin08

matt2k8

The syllabus isn't changing but people will still be able to get A*s

I stand corrected. I have taken this below from Wikipedia (I know. Unreliable source but it does the job)

From 2008, the highest A-level grade will be A*, requiring an A grade overall and 90% SMS ('Standardised Mark Scheme' will replace the 'Uniform Mark Scheme' [38]) in A2 papers.[39]

The September 2004 reformation of the Mathematics syllabus, following calls that it was too hard,[40] has attracted criticism for allegedly being made easier.[41] In the change, content consisting of three modules (Pure 1-3) were spread to four modules (Core 1-4). It is alleged that this makes the course easier as students do less work for the same qualifications. Further reforms to make the Mathematics syllabus more popular have been met with mixed opinions.[42] Supporters cite it will reverse the downward trend in students taking the subject whilst others are concerned that the subject is being "dumbed down".

Following criticisms from many groups on the "burden of assessment", from September 2008 onwards, candidates will take four papers for most A-levels, instead of the current six.[43] This will mean that there will be two modules for AS and two more for A2 for the majority of A-levels, and that their UMS will total 200 for AS and 400 for the whole A-level (rather than 300 and 600 as is the case now). However, this will not be the case for all A-levels: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, Geology, Music and Science will continue with six units, three units for AS and A2 respectively, and 600 SMS for the A-level. Mathematics (including Further Mathematics, Additional Further Mathematics, Statistics, and the Use of Mathematics AS), will not change structurally in the 2008 reform; it will stay on 600 SMS (300 SMS for AS), but it will include the new A* grade and the 'Stretch and Challenge' provision. Also, Bengali, Modern Hebrew, Panjabi, Polish, Arabic, Japanese, Modern Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Dutch, Gujarati, Persian, Portuguese, and Turkish will remain at two units, one for AS and one for A2 [44] [45] [46]. However they will move to 200 SMS for A-level. Chinese will also move to 200 SMS, but instead of two units, it will move to three units: AS will have two units, A2 will have one. It is the first A-level to have an odd number of units since Curriculum 2000 [47].'

Reply 43

Kyalimers

TheEd

In Maths you need an A overall WITH 180/200 on ONLY core 3 and core 4. This is because of different applied modules being available.

For other A levels it is 90% UMS across the A2 modules and 80% overall.

So if you got in Maths the following:
100 100 100 89 (C3) 90 (C4) 100

you would NOT get A* as you only have 179/200 across Core 3 and Core 4 but you have 579 overall!

All your posts are correct, except this is a bit unclear.

Getting 89 in C3 and then 91 in C4 also will not get you the A*. You need 90% in all the modules.

Just to clarify to those who were confused.