GCSE Maths with Eduqas – A Guide for Parents and Learners
If your school or college is considering teaching Eduqas’ GCSE Mathematics specification or has already made the switch, you may have some questions about your new qualification.
To help you navigate this transition, Rhys Lloyd, our Maths Representative, provides insights into some of the most frequently asked questions from parents and learners:
Who are Eduqas?
Eduqas are one of the four largest providers of qualifications for schools, academies, sixth forms, and further education colleges across England. We are part of WJEC, which traces its history back to 1948.
The Eduqas brand was launched in 2014 and provides qualifications for England, while WJEC continues to provide qualifications for Wales.
Qualifications differ in England and Wales due to the regulatory requirements of each country.
How is Eduqas GCSE Maths Different from Other Boards?
Eduqas’ GCSE in Mathematics is very similar to the qualification offered by the other major exam boards. It’s a 9-1 GCSE fully regulated by Ofqual, and the content of the qualification is also very similar.
However, our approach to assessment sets us apart. Unlike other exam boards, Eduqas requires learners to sit just two exam papers instead of three – one calculator, one non-calculator. Each exam lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, and each paper has equal weighting towards the final grade.
This reduces the overall number of exams learners must prepare for and sit, while simplifying administration and delivery for schools and colleges.
How Can Eduqas Offer a 2-Paper Assessment When Other Boards Have 3 Exams?
Eduqas’ GCSE Mathematics qualification meets all of Ofqual’s requirements for assessment – we just structure our exam papers differently.
While learners have fewer exams to sit, each paper is slightly longer at 2 hours and 15 minutes, meeting Ofqual’s requirement of a minimum of 4 hours and 30 minutes of examined assessment.
This trade-off of slightly longer exams but fewer of them has proven to be a good fit for many schools and colleges.
What Tier System Does Eduqas Use?
Learners studying GCSE Mathematics with Eduqas sit either a Foundation Tier or a Higher Tier paper, just as they do with other exam boards.
Schools and colleges decide which learners enter which tier.
Does Switching to Eduqas Mean Changes in the Classroom?
In most cases, switching to Eduqas for GCSE Maths will have little effect on day-to-day teaching and learning.
This is because the content of the qualification is almost identical to that of other boards due to regulatory requirements.
Learners may notice some differences in their teachers’ approach to exam preparation and revision activities as they get ready to sit Eduqas exam papers.
Eduqas also offers a wealth of online resources that teachers can use to help with teaching and learning in the classroom.