Whilst we try to keep language to a minimum, most of our questions have to be in a functional context and all our questions have to be thoroughly clear for the learners. The language used is checked to be level appropriate by proof readers and a language specialist.

This style of question has been used by Pearson since the beginning of FS and is used to reduce the demand of the wording. In other words, by asking the question in this way we are reducing the complexity of the other part of the question.

The learners are allowed to use a scientific calculator on the calculator sections. The only exemption to this is on the remotely invigilated assessments where the learners must use the onscreen calculator. We do recommend using the onscreen calculator on all our onscreen assessments as the copy to working button helps reduce transcription errors. 

Learners are not allowed to use a programmable calculator.

In a case like this the learner should be able to achieve all but one mark. If the error is arithmetic and they show working, then only the accuracy mark is lost.

At level 1 we set one or two step formulae.  They can be set in flow charts / function boxes or could be given as words without boxes.  For example  The value of p is twice the value of q would be allowed. 

I’m currently teaching a student who works out percentages in the following way on the calculator: 123 x 24% = 29.52 

Please can you let me know if she writes this in the exam on a calculator paper whether she would be awarded those percentage marks? 

If the answer is correct then full marks will be awarded.  However just writing 24% as a method is not deemed complete.  X24/100 is classed as a method.  So if you are confident the student can use her calculator correctly then there is no problem but if she may make a mistake in using the calculator then the line of working would be required for the method mark. 

As our assessments stay live for a considerable period of time, we are unable to return scripts to centres. We do, however, provide a full breakdown of a learner’s performance via coverage and range points on ResultsPlus.

Our remotely invigilated maths assessments follow the same format as the traditionally invigilated maths assessments. Learners can, therefore, use any of our online practice assessments.

We do not specify what topics are covered in each section of the level 1 and 2 assessments. We have produced exemplar guidance which helps tutors understand how the potential differences between a calculator and a non-calculator question on each coverage and range point.