The CCEA GCSE Mathematics specification encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts.

It enables students to reason mathematically, draw conclusions and make deductions and inferences. Students learn how to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of appropriate forms.

The specification has two tiers: Foundation and Higher. Each tier offers students a choice of units suited to a range of abilities, allowing them to demonstrate achievement. The assessment model enables students to monitor their progress and offers opportunities to improve their results.

Students also have the opportunity to achieve a recognition of achievement in Functional Mathematics.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Mathematics and Numeracy Area of Learning.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment before the end of the course.

The specification has eight units, four at Foundation Tier and four at Higher Tier:

• Unit M1: Foundation Tier
• Unit M5: Foundation Tier Completion Test
• Unit M2: Foundation Tier
• Unit M6: Foundation Tier Completion Test
• Unit M3: Higher Tier
• Unit M7: Higher Tier Completion Test
• Unit M4: Higher Tier
• Unit M8: Higher Tier Completion Test.

Students take one unit from M1, M2, M3 or M4 and one unit from M5, M6, M7 or M8.