Important information for Edexcel GCE A level and Edexcel International Advanced Level Mathematics

THE EXTRACTED MESSAGE FROM EDEXCEL:

Edexcel is developing a new suite of A-level qualifications called Edexcel International Advanced levels (for first teaching in September 2013) that will contain a January and a June exam series. From September 2013 onwards, we will therefore be offering two mathematics qualifications: 1. Edexcel GCE AS/A level Mathematics Current specification, regulated by Ofqual 2. Edexcel International AS/Advanced Level Mathematics New international specification, regulated by Pearson

Students completing their course in 2014

Students who need to complete their A-levels in January 2014 We understand the removal of January exams represents significant problems for students who need to complete and cash-in their full A level in January 2014 for university entry. Weve been working to find a suitable resolution and we are pleased to let you know that we now have an answer for these students using the current Edexcel GCE A level Mathematics specifications. We have now been permitted to offer the same exams we currently offer in January, for one more January sitting. This means that the following units will be available in January 2014: Core mathematics units 1, 2, 3 and 4 Further Pure mathematics unit 1 Mechanics units 1, 2, and 3 Statistics units 1 and 2 Decision mathematics unit 1

Students can therefore cash-in as planned in January 2014 to complete their Edexcel GCE A level qualification. If this option is taken, the following points should be noted: The specification and assessment remain unchanged; therefore you should continue to prepare (your students) for their final January exams in 2014 in the usual way. Students will be awarded an Edexcel International Advanced level, regulated by Pearson, instead of an Edexcel GCE A level. This is because Ofqual has made a decision that the regulated Edexcel GCE A level qualifications can no longer include a January exam series. All entries for January 2014 must be accompanied by a cash-in code.

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Students wishing to complete their Edexcel GCE A levels in June 2014 The solution above has been agreed specifically for students who must complete their course in January. Other students who are planning to complete their A levels in June 2014, will not be able to sit an exam in January 2014, but will still be able to complete their course in June 2014 as planned. What about students starting in 2013? From September 2013 we will be offering two Edexcel Mathematics qualifications at this level. Edexcel centres are in the unique position of being able to choose to deliver the A level that best suits their teaching style and students.

Edexcel International AS/Advanced Level Mathematics Flexible, modular structure. January and June series of examinations. January 2014 will be the first exam window. Final specifications available in September 2013 for first teaching in September 2013. Draft units from the new specifications will be available at the end of April 2013. 100% external assessment, no coursework. Centres can continue to use their existing Edexcel textbooks and support material. AS can be a used to complete a full Advanced level. Regulated by Pearson.

Edexcel GCE AS/A Level Mathematics (current 2008 specification) Modular structure. June exam series only. (A revised specification, removing the January assessment window, will be available from April 2013 at www.edexcel.com/alevel for first teaching in September 2013.) 100% external assessment, no coursework. Regulated by Ofqual.

From September 2015, Ofqual are changing the A level Mathematics qualification as follows: A linear structure taken over two years - all exams to be taken at end of course. AS levels will become a standalone qualification and will no longer count towards a full A level. Available for first teaching from September 2015 with first assessment in June 2017.

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