Maths vital for those taking GCSEs and A-Level courses

14 Dec 2009

An expert has said maths is a vital segment of GCSEs and A-Level courses.

Those taking GCSEs and A-Level courses through distance learning may want to pay more attention to mathematics, which is a vital skill valued by employers, according to an expert.

Ofqual, alongside regulatory partners in Wales DCELLS and Northern Ireland CCEA, recently said that greater understanding of maths will be needed for science GCSEs.

Commenting on the report, Hilary Leevers, assistant director for the Campaign for Science and Engineering said that mathematical knowledge is "essential for proper use of the sciences and should be incorporated into the curriculum and in examinations".

She explained that maths is "a core skill and one that employers highly value" adding that "in driving up mathematical standards in the sciences, you are actually helping the general employability skill".

New subject criteria for GCSE science subjects, including science, additional science, additional applied science, biology, chemistry and physics, were recently announced by Ofqual and its partners.

GCSE science subject qualifications providers will from September 2011 be required to demonstrate to the regulators how their proposed specifications comply with the new criteria.