Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) has published a report investigating the feasibility of a new maths GCSE curriculum for post-16 resit students.

The report outlines a curriculum for a new qualification that focuses on the maths needed for everyday life and work, with sufficient rigour to meet the requirements of a GCSE qualification. The themes for the curriculum content include: financial understanding; working with measures and shape; planning activities; and understanding quantitative information.

The proposed new post-16 maths GCSE would be available at foundation tier only (grades 1-5) with a ‘stepping stone’ paper that could be taken early.

With funding from the Nuffield Foundation for this project, the proposals aim to address low GCSE resit success rates and provide an alternative curriculum for post-16 maths.

MEI is an independent charity committed to improving mathematics education.