C1 numbers survey

Increase in C1 candidate numbers

Please note that we are collecting information from centres preparing students for ALL specifications, not just MEI.

In January 2008 the candidate numbers for all four AS/A Level Mathematics specifications (in England) showed an increase of between 10% and 15%, compared to January 2007. If this represents a genuine increase in the number of students opting for mathematics post-16, it is incredibly good news.

However, before letting ourselves get too excited about this, we are considering other possible explanations and would value your help in doing so. To do this, please complete the short on-line questionnaire below.

We have identified 4 possible causes for increases in C1 numbers:

Schools changing specifications: Since all the specifications report the same effect this cannot be the explanation.
Increase in re-sits: This is unlikely to be the case in January because it would require a massive proportional increase in Year 13 candidates re-sitting; there is no apparent reason (e.g. a really disastrous C1 the previous June) why this should have happened for all specifications.
Change in entry patterns: It is possible that a number of schools and colleges have abandoned a previous policy of no January entries, or have just decided to enter C1 candidates earlier than last year. Another possibility is that more schools have decided to enter students for AS units in Year 11, including C1 in January.
Genuine increase in uptake: If no other explanations hold, then it would seem that this must be the case.

Questionnaire

1. How many C1 candidates did your school/college have in the last two January sittings?
January 2007
January 2008
Please tick this box if the numbers are approximate:

If there were more candidates in January 2008, please answer questions 2; otherwise go straight to question 3.

2. Which of the following statements explains the increase ?
You may choose more than one answer. Please give actual numbers if you can easily do so.

A There was an increase in uptake of AS mathematics in Year 12.
Yes, please give the increase in the number of students:
No

B There was an increase in the number of re-sits.
Yes, please give the increase in the number of students re-sitting:
No

C There was a change in your school’s or college’s entry policy.
Yes
No
If relevant, please use the space below to explain the nature of the change in entry policy.

3. If there are any other comments you would like to make, please write them in the box below.

4. This information will not be used other than to allow us to ensure that responses are genuine. Individual schools/colleges and respondents will not be identified in any analyses of the results.
School/College name:
Examination centre number