Most of the awarding bodies offer two different methods for assessing the coursework tasks that are completed. These are:

• Your school can select the tasks to be completed, mark all of them and send a sample of marked scripts to the awarding body to be moderated.
• The awarding body will set the tasks and mark the work.

The detailed criteria for Using and Applying Mathematics and for Handling Data, which are common to all awarding bodies, are written by QCA and printed in the specification that you will be using. You should be able to obtain a copy of these detailed criteria from your teacher or the awarding body’s website.

Coursework strategies

Using and Applying Mathematics Strand 1: Making and monitoring decisions

4 marks - Gathering (in a systematic manner) enough results that are correct and enable you to write a generalisation about the given problem.

5 marks - Change one variable and undertake sufficient new work so you could make a further generalisation.

6 marks - Show a range of techniques to extend and develop the task further. For example if you had only been using simple linear equations such as y = 3x – 2 up to this point you could try to use
a graphical approach or simultaneous or quadratic equations to support this extended work. (This would link in with the requirement for 6 marks in the Communication strand where the consistent use of symbolism, i.e. algebra, is required).

7 marks - Attempt to co-ordinate three features in the work, perhaps by moving into 3 dimensions.

Using and Applying Mathematics Strand 3: Mathematical reasoning

3 marks - Show a progression from ‘making general statements’, i.e. a valid generalisation, derived from at least three of your results.

4 marks - Test your findings, formula or relationship by checking a further case (do not use the values you already used in deriving the formula or results).

5 marks Give a valid explanation as to why your generalisation works, referring to the shape of a grid, or size and structure of a shape.

6–8 marks - The progression continues up to 8 marks where a mathematically rigorous justification is expected.

Using and Applying Mathematics Strand 2: Communicating mathematically

4 marks - Present work in an orderly manner using two different methods, for example tables and diagrams, linking them together with a commentary.

5–6 marks - Show an increased use of algebra.

7–8 marks - Show a sophisticated use of algebraic techniques.

Handling Data Strand 1: Specify and plan

5–6 marks - Show clear aims and state a plan designed to meet these aims. The data used should be appropriate and the reason for any ampling should be explained.

7–8 marks - Demonstrate valid reasons for what you have done and explain any limitations, for example bias, that might arise.

Handling Data Strand 2: Collect, process and represent

5–6 marks - Show correct use of appropriate calculations using relevant data.

7–8 marks - Demonstrate evidence of higher level techniques applied accurately.

Handling Data Strand 3: Interpret and discuss

5–6 marks - Use summary statistics to make comparisons between sets of data and clearly relating your findings back to the original problem and evaluating the success, (or otherwise), of your strategy.

7–8 marks - Explain how you avoided bias and demonstrate the use, for example, of a pre-test or a pilot questionnaire.