What is the difference between gcse maths modular and linear

Image credit: Shutterstock. Share This Tweet. Share on Facebook. Share on LinkedIn. Share on Reddit. Policy Research. In particular: Overall, the literature review points to claims that linear exams favour longer-term retention of information and deep learning, whereas modular exams allow regular feedback on performance which can be motivating for some students.

However, reflecting a number of caveats, the quantitative evidence suggests that modular and linear GCSEs lead to similar outcomes overall. The research did not support claims that modular or linear exams tend to favour male or female students, or affect the outcomes of low and high socio-economic status students differently. The government's recent announcement on the removal of modular GCSEs means that students starting a three year course from September will follow a linear programme of assessment.

In modular, or unitised qualifications, the course is split into different units, or modules, with an exam at the end of each unit. In a linear qualification, the examinations are taken at the end of the course. It is claimed that a return to a linear structure will help reduce the dangers of over-assessment of young people and increase the opportunities to teach whole subjects in a joined up way rather than in bite-sized chunks.

Modular GCSEs were introduced in The introduction of linear GCSEs will prevent the mid-course re-sitting of units, although there will be opportunities to re-take complete English, English language and maths GCSEs in an autumn exam.

Under the modular system, it was possible for students to study for a modular qualification but to take all their exams at one time and to do this early, for example in January rather than in June. If girls did this for English, they outperformed boys. For these courses your AS exams will form part of your final grade along with your A2 exams and any coursework that is required as well.

The new linear exam structure means that unless you drop your subject after completing the AS level it will not count as part of your grade. A few subjects are still modular for example maths and geology , but by September all subject will have changed to a linear specification.