The Format of GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics: An Overview

• Assessment Objectives:
  • AO1: Use and apply standard techniques (35% weighting)
  • AO2: Solve problems in a variety of contexts (50% weighting)
  • AO3: Reason and communicate mathematically (15% weighting)
• Scheme of Assessment:
  • Paper 1:
    • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
    • Description: 12-14 questions, up to 10 marks per question
    • Candidates required to answer ALL questions
    • Marks: 90
    • Weighting: 50%
  • Paper 2:
    • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
    • Description: 9-11 questions, up to 12 marks per question
    • Candidates required to answer ALL questions
    • Marks: 90
    • Weighting: 50%
• Syllabus Content:
  • Algebra: Quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities
  • Surds: Four operations on surds, solving equations involving surds
  • Polynomials and Partial Fractions: Multiplication, division, factorizing, solving cubic equations
  • Binomial Expansions: Use of the Binomial Theorem
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Simplifying expressions, solving equations, using them as models
  • Geometry and Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, identities, equations, graphs
  • Coordinate Geometry: Midpoint, area of rectilinear figures, transformation of given relationships
  • Calculus: Differentiation and integration, rates of change, maxima and minima problems
• Additional Information:
  • Omission of essential working results in loss of marks
  • Relevant mathematical formulae will be provided
  • Numerical answers should be correct to 3 significant figures or 1 decimal place, unless specified otherwise
  • SI units used for mass and measures
  • Both 12-hour and 24-hour clock may be used
  • Solidus notation (e.g., 5 m/s) for compound units
  • Unless specified, use π or π = 3.142
  • Spaces provided in question papers for working and answers

Introduction:

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) O Levels Additional Mathematics is an academic qualification offered to students in many countries, including Singapore and the United Kingdom. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore the format of the GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics examination based on the provided syllabus and assessment objectives.

Assessment Objectives:

The assessment objectives for GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics are divided into three categories:

AO1: Use and apply standard techniques

• Recall and use facts, terminology, and notation.
• Read and use information from tables, graphs, diagrams, and texts.
• Carry out routine mathematical procedures.

AO2: Solve problems in a variety of contexts

• Interpret information to identify relevant mathematical concepts, rules, or formulas.
• Translate information from one form to another.
• Make connections across topics/subtopics.
• Formulate problems into mathematical terms.
• Analyze and select relevant information to solve problems.
• Interpret results in the context of a given problem.

AO3: Reason and communicate mathematically

• Justify mathematical statements.
• Provide explanations in the context of a given problem.
• Write mathematical arguments and proofs.

Weightage of Assessment Objectives: The approximate weightings for the assessment objectives are as follows:

• AO1: 35%
• AO2: 50%
• AO3: 15%

Scheme of Assessment: The GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics examination consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. The duration for each paper is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Both papers require candidates to answer all the questions.

Paper 1:

• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Description: 12-14 questions of varying marks and lengths, up to 10 marks per question.
• Candidates are required to answer ALL questions.
• Marks: 90
• Weighting: 50%

Paper 2:

• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Description: 9-11 questions of varying marks and lengths, up to 12 marks per question.
• Candidates are required to answer ALL questions.
• Marks: 90
• Weighting: 50%

Additional Information:

• Omission of essential working will result in a loss of marks.
• Relevant mathematical formulae will be provided for candidates.
• Non-exact numerical answers should be correct to 3 significant figures or 1 decimal place for angles in degrees, unless specified otherwise.
• SI units will be used for questions involving mass and measures.
• The 12-hour and 24-hour clock may be used for quoting times of the day.
• The solidus notation (e.g., 5 m/s) should be used for expressing compound units.
• Unless specified, the value of π or π = 3.142 should be used.
• Spaces will be provided in each question paper for working and answers.

Syllabus Content: The syllabus content for GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics includes various topics and sub-topics. Some of them are:

1. Algebra: Quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities.
2. Surds: Four operations on surds and solving equations involving surds.
3. Polynomials and Partial Fractions: Multiplication, division, factorizing, and solving cubic equations.
4. Binomial Expansions: Use of the Binomial Theorem.
5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Simplifying expressions, solving equations, and using them as models.
6. Geometry and Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and graphs.
7. Coordinate Geometry: Midpoint, area of rectilinear figures, and transformation of given relationships.
8. Calculus: Differentiation and integration, including rates of change, maxima, and minima problems.

Conclusion:

The GCE O Levels Additional Mathematics examination assesses students’ abilities to apply mathematical techniques, solve problems, and reason mathematically. It covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. By understanding the format and syllabus of the examination, students can adequately prepare themselves for success.

Table Format:

Paper	Duration	Description	Marks	Weighting
Paper 1	2 hours 15 mins	12-14 questions of varying marks and lengths	90	50%
Paper 2	2 hours 15 mins	9-11 questions of varying marks and lengths	90	50%