Performance

The 16-18 accountability measures technical guidance states that the current annex J shows ‘Level 3 qualifications for the TechBacc in 2018’. As the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life - 603/3437/X won’t be eligible for the TechBacc until 2020, the technical guidance will not be updated by DfE until the next update in June 2020.

About this qualification

This qualification has been developed in conjunction with the Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching (CIMT). The qualification meets the Core Maths Technical Guidance published by the Department for Education (DfE) and is approved for inclusion in the 16-19 performance tables from 2020. Core Maths has been introduced by the DfE to address the issue of poor progression in mathematics from age 16, by offering an opportunity for students not studying AS or A level mathematics to study a Level 3 mathematics course alongside their main programme of study. This qualification is therefore suitable for use within a Study Programme.

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification enables post 16 learners to retain, deepen and extend their mathematical understanding. This is achieved through using mathematics to solve meaningful and relevant problems which will prepare learners for university, academic or vocational learning, employment and life. The word ‘life’ in our qualification title refers to all aspects of future needs.

This qualification addresses the specific needs of learners by providing a core of key themes. These are based in part on specific contexts and areas of interest that will complement a learner’s main programme of study.

The key themes are:

• A: Understanding personal finance
• B: Understanding commerce
• C: Understanding chance
• D: Understanding data.


Mathematical problem solving will be contextualised in the following vocations and areas of interest in:

• business and administration
• engineering and manufacturing
• health and science.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for post-16 learners studying a Key Stage 5 curriculum. The qualification is suitable for those with a grade of 4 or above in GCSE maths at age 16 (or equivalent), who are not taking AS/A Level maths or a Level 3 International Baccalaureate (IB) mathematics certificate as part of their 16–18 study programme.

How is it assessed?

The assessment for the Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life consists of 2 written external assessment papers. Each learner is required to undertake both papers in the same series. Learners must achieve enough marks from across the external assessment papers to gain the Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification is designed to be taken over 2 years. Although centres may run the qualification over a shorter period of time at their discretion.

Career opportunities

Learners who achieve this qualification could use the qualification to progress to a range of higher education courses and/or employment, across a broad range of academic, professional, creative and technical fields. For example, the inclusion of decision mathematics and statistics as well as graphical techniques will prepare learners for careers in management, finance, business, engineering, manufacturing, health, science, geographical studies, agriculture, operational research and industry as well as preparing learners for further educational study.

UCAS Points

The qualification will attract the following UCAS points*:

• A: 20
• B: 16
• C: 12
• D: 10
• E: 6

Performance Points

The qualification will attract the following performance points in the 16-19 performance tables:

• A: 25
• B: 20
• C: 15
• D: 10
• E: 5

External Assessment Timetable

Please see the External Assessment Timetable for a breakdown of the assessment dates for this qualification.

Useful Links

Regulations for the Conduct of External Assessment

Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery (QSID)