The London Summer Olympics is not the only big thing happening in 2012. The other big event happening in 2012? The first examination for Additional Mathematics offered by CXC at CSEC General Proficiency.
In the same way as the athletes who are hoping to make their names at the London Olympics have started preparations in 2010, students preparing for this new and exciting subject will also start their preparations in 2010 – September.
That’s when teaching of the new syllabus will commence in schools across the region.
“In pursuing this course, students will be able to transition smoothly to higher levels of study in Mathematics, or move on to career choices where a deeper knowledge of general concepts is required,” according to the rationale of the new syllabus.
It further states that the syllabus “caters to diverse interests enabling students to develop and use skills in other areas of the curricula, thus providing a pathway to solving problems.”
Aims
The aims of the syllabus are; to build upon those foundational concepts, techniques and skills acquired at the CSEC level and form linkages to areas of study at the Advanced Proficiency Level; enhance ways of learning Mathematics; generate further curiosity and analytical thinking in deriving solutions to problems which may not necessarily be solved by a single/unique approach ; promote effective Mathematical communication; develop positive mathematical values, such as, accuracy, confidence and rigour; develop abilities to reason logically; and connect Mathematics with other disciplines such as Physics, Finance and everyday life.
Topics
The syllabus is divided into four sections. Each section is then further divided into topics which are defined by their specific objectives and content.
The four sections are Algebra and Functions; Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry; Introductory Calculus and Basic Mathematical Applications.
Profiles
Like all other CSEC subjects, Additional Mathematics will have profile grades in addition to the overall grade. The three profiles are Conceptual Knowledge, Algorithmic Knowledge and Reasoning. With respect to Conceptual Knowledge, candidates will be tested on their ability to recall, select and use appropriate facts, concepts and principles in a variety of contexts.
Algorithmic Knowledge will test candidates’ ability to manipulate mathematical expressions and procedures using appropriate symbols and language, logical and deduction and inferences.
The Reasoning profile will test the ability to select, use and evaluate mathematical models and interpret the results of a mathematical solution in terms of a given real-world problem and engage problem-solving.
Examination Format
The examination will consist of three papers: Paper 01, a multiple choice paper; Paper 02, an essay or problem-solving paper and Paper 03, the School Based Assessment. The SBA will focus on a project which requires candidates to demonstrate the practical application of Mathematics in everyday life. Candidates are expected to probe, describe and explain a mathematical area of interest and communicate the findings using mathematical language and symbols.
“This new subject will bridge the gap between the CSEC Mathematics and the CAPE Mathematics syllabuses,” explained Glenroy Cumberbatch, CXC Pro Registrar. “It fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students, as well as provides the foundation for CAPE Mathematics, Sciences and other areas of study.”
The SBA is the first for mathematics. What this will do is to get students to see the link between what they study and their environment. Students pursuing CSEC Additional Mathematics should know the link between mathematics and their daily lives.
CXC thanks all those persons who contributed to the development of this new and exciting syllabus.