Mathematics

Assessment

Content and Assessment A Level Mathematics B (MEI) is a linear qualification, with no options. The content is listed below, under three areas: 1. Pure mathematics includes proof, algebra, graphs, sequences, trigonometry, logarithms, calculus and vectors 2. Mechanics includes kinematics, motion under gravity, working with forces including friction, Newton’s laws and simple moments 3. Statistics includes working with data from a sample to make inferences about a population, probability calculations, using binomial and Normal distributions as models and statistical hypothesis testing. There will be three examination papers, at the end of the course, to assess all the content: Pure and Mechanics (01) 100 Marks 36.4% of total qualification The examination paper has two sections: A and B. Section A consists of shorter questions with minimal reading and interpretation; the aim of this is to ensure that all students feel as though they can do some of the questions on the paper. Section B includes longer questions and more problem solving. Section B has a gradient of difficulty. 41 to 47 of the marks are for mechanics; mechanics questions can be in either section A or B. Section A will have 20 to 25 marks with the remainder of the marks allocated to section B Pure and Statistics (02) Externally assessed – 2 hour long each 100 Marks 36.4% of total qualification The examination paper has two sections: A and B. Section A consists of shorter questions with minimal reading and interpretation; the aim of this is to ensure that all students feel as though they can do some of the questions on the paper. Section B includes longer questions and more problem solving. Section B has a gradient of difficulty. 50 to 60 of the marks are for statistics with some of these being for questions based on the pre-release data set; statistics questions can be in either section A or B. Section A will have 20 to 25 marks with the remainder of the marks allocated to section B. Pure and Comprehension (03 75 Marks 27.3% of total qualification The examination paper has two sections: A and B. Section A will have 60 marks on the pure mathematics content. Section B will have 15 marks worth of questions on a previously unseen comprehension passage based on the pure mathematics content of the specification, rather than on mechanics or statistics content, to ensure that mechanics and statistics are not overassessed in some years. The passage may include examples of applications of the pure content (other than those which are specified in the mechanics and statistics sections). The mechanics and statistics content of the specification is assumed knowledge for component 03 but this assumed knowledge will not be the focus of any of the questions.