MARK SCHEME FOR THE SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT

Project A

Project Descriptors Allocation of marks

Project Title [2]

 Title is a clear statement and concise statement 2 (2)

 Title is a concise statement but not clear 1

Introduction [5]

 Problem is clearly stated (1)

 Purpose of Project
o Purpose is clearly stated (1)
o Purpose relates to real-life situations OR Purpose (1)
relates to solving existing problem

 Outcome can be readily implemented 2 (2)

 Outcome can be implemented but with limitations 1

Mathematical Formulation [12]

 Identifies all of the important elements of the problem 5-6 (6)

and shows a complete understanding of the relationships
among them.
 Identifies some important elements of the problem and 3–4
shows a general understanding of the relationships
among them.
 identifies some of the important elements of the problem 1-2
and shows a very limited understanding of the
relationships among them.

 Good understanding of the problem’s mathematical 3 (3)

concepts/principles
 Fair understanding of the problem’s mathematical
concepts/principles 2
 Limited understanding of the problem’s mathematical 1
concepts/principles

 Mathematical model(s)/method(s) applied is/are most 3 (3)

suitable for the task
 Mathematical model(s)/method(s) applied is/are 2
appropriate for the task
 Mathematical model(s)/method(s) applied is/are 1
acceptable

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Problem Solution [25]

 Assumptions are clearly identified and explained. 2 (2)

 Assumption is misidentified or stated in an unclear 1
manner

 Logical algorithms are used and executed correctly 3–4 (4)

 Algorithms are used but contain errors 1-2

 All diagrams are appropriate to the problem 2 (2)

 Some of the diagrams are appropriate to the problem 1

 All diagrams are clearly labelled. 2 (2)

 Some diagrams are clearly labelled 1

 Explanations are sufficient and clearly stated 4 (4)

 Some explanations are sufficient and clearly stated 2–3
 Most of the explanations are vague 1

 All of the theorems and/or formulae are relevant to the 3 (3)

solution and correctly applied
 Some of the theorems and/or formulae are relevant to 2
the solution and correctly applied
 Few of the theorems and/or formulae are relevant to the 1
solution and not correctly applied

 More than 75% of calculations are accurate. 2 (2)

 Between 50% and 75% of calculations are accurate 1

 Adequate reference to previous work 2 (2)

 Limited reference to previous work given 1

 Interpretations of results are reasonable given the 3- 4 (4)

objectives, desired targets and research methodology.
 Interpretation attempted but the interpretation does not
refer back to the objectives or desired targets. The 1-2
interpretations are not clearly supported by the
methodology and/or results.

Discussions of findings [10]

 Discusses the validity of the solution (1)

 Applies the solution or proof correctly to the given real- (1)
world problem

 Discussion is coherent, concise and relates to the purpose 2 (2)

of the project
 Discussion is coherent, concise but does not fully to the 1
purpose of the project

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  The limitations of the research are relevant and 2 (2)
comprehensively discussed.
 The limitations of the research are relevant but not fully 1
discussed

 Recommendations are relevant and practical 2 (2)

 Recommendations are relevant or practical 1

 Conclusion is succinct, fully reflects the objectives and is 2 (2)

supported by data.
 Conclusion is adequate, partially reflects the objectives 1
and partially supported by data.

Overall Presentation [4]

o Communicates information in a logical way using 4
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical (4)
jargon all of the time
o Communicates information in a logical way using 3
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon most of the time
o Communicates information in a logical way using 2
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon some of the time.
o Communicates information in a logical way using 1
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon in a limited way.

Reference/Bibliography [2]
In-text citing of previous work with references 2 (2)
Inclusion of bibliography only 1
TOTAL 60 marks

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Project B

Project Descriptors ( Project B) Allocation of marks

Project Title [2]
Title is a clear statement (1)
Title is a concise statement (1)
Introduction [6]
 Rationale for the project is logical 2 (2)
 Rationale for the project is somewhat logical 1
 Problem(s)/ Objective(s) are clearly stated 2 (2)
 Problem(s)/ Objective(s) not clearly stated 1
 Summary of research methodology adopted is 2 (2)
succinctly stated (quantitative or qualitative)
 Summary of research methodology adopted is 1
somewhat incoherent (quantitative or qualitative)

Research Methodology [19]

 Research method/design (experimental, quasi- 2 (2)
experimental, non-experimental) is clearly and logically
outlined.
 Research method/design (experimental, quasi- 1
experimental, and non-experimental) is not clearly
documented.
 The limitations of the research are relevant and 2 (2)
comprehensively discussed
 The limitations of the research are relevant but not 1
fully discussed
 Description of the sampling process/sample design

(1) Identification of the target population (1)

(2) Specification of the sampling frame or (1)

otherwise justify

(3) Description of sample selection methodology/ (1)

selection of subjects (participants)
 sampling method (probability/random vs
non-probability /non-random sampling) (1)
sample size is appropriate
 Instrument Design
Selection of instrument (e.g. questionnaires, 2
interviews, case studies, tests, measures, (2 )
observations, scales) is justified in a
comparative manner.

Selection of instrument (e.g. questionnaires, 1

interviews, case studies, tests, measures,
observations, scales) is justified but not
comparative

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  Instrument has relevant items which are clearly 2 - 3 (3)
articulated and are logically outlined (Alternatively, if a
previously designed instrument is used then it must be
cited and justified)

Instrument has relevant items some which are clearly

articulated (Alternatively, if a previously designed instrument is 1
used then it must be cited and justified)

 Data Management
(1) Data collection process is adequately (1)
described.

(2) Data coding techniques (e.g. transferring item (1)

responses into numbers) are appropriate and
clearly explained.

(3) Data Entry/ Data Recording methods clearly (1)

described

(4) Data Security method clearly described (1)

(Include information on the preservation of the
database for this study e.g. backup measures)

Organization of Data (e.g. frequency tables)

Concise discussion on the data extraction procedures 2
from raw database into tabular form and inclusion of all (2)
tables in the report.

Adequate discussion on the data extraction procedures from 1

raw database into tabular form and the inclusion of some
tables in the report.
Presentation of Findings[12]
 Display of Results (e.g. Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Stem &
Leaf Plot, Box and Whiskers Plot)

o A variety of tables, graphs and figures are 5-6

appropriately used according to the data type and
portray the data accurately and clearly ( 6)

o A variety of tables, graphs and figures are 3-4

appropriately used according to the data type and
portray the data fairly accurately and clearly
o A few tables, graphs and figures are used which 1-2
portray the data with limited accuracy and clarity

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  Description of tables, charts and figures:
o Excellent description of the tables, graphs and 5-6 (6)
figures.
o Satisfactory description of the tables, graphs and 4-5
figures.
o Limited description of the tables, graphs and 1-2
figures.

Analysis of Findings [15]

Statistical analysis tools
1. Measures of Central Tendency
2. Measures of Variability
3. Measures of Relationship (e.g. correlation,
regression)
4. Measures of Relative Position(e.g. percentiles, z-
scores and t-scores)
5. Measure of dependence
 An accurate discussion which includes calculations and 3
meaningful comparisons of the findings using at least 3
of the statistical techniques. (3)
 A satisfactory discussion which includes calculations 2
and meaningful comparisons of the findings using two
of the statistical techniques.
 A discussion which includes calculations and 1
meaningful comparisons of the findings using one
statistical technique.

 More than 75% of calculations are accurate. 2

 Between 50% and 75% of calculations are accurate. (2)
1
 Interpretations of results
o An excellent interpretation of the results obtained, 3-4
why they were obtained and identification of
trends, patterns and anomalies. (4)
o An adequate or limited interpretation of the results, 1-2
why they were obtained and identification of
trends, patterns and anomalies.

 Recommendations for future development

o Recommendations are relevant and practical 2 (2)
o Recommendations are relevant or practical 1

o Conclusion is comprehensive, reflects the

hypothesis/objectives and is supported by data. 3–4 (4)
o Conclusion is adequate, reflects the
hypothesis/objectives and supported by data. 2

Conclusion is satisfactory and reflects the hypothesis/objectives 1

OR supported by data.

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 Overall Presentation [4]
Communication of information in a logical way
o Communicates information in a logical way using 4 (4)
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon all of the time
o Communicates information in a logical way using 3
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon most of the time
o Communicates information in a logical way using 2
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargon some of the time.
o Communicates information in a logical way using 1
correct grammar and appropriate mathematical
jargons in a limited way.
Reference/Bibliography [2] (2)
In-text citing of previous work with references 2

Inclusion of bibliography only 1

Appendix

 REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES

Private candidates will be required to write Papers 01, 02 and 032. Detailed information on Papers 01 and
02 is given on pages 23–26 of this syllabus.

Paper 032 is the alternative paper to the School-Based Assessment. This paper is worth 20 per cent of the
total mark for the Unit. Paper 032 will test the student’s acquisition of the skills in the same areas of the
syllabus identified for the School-Based Assessment. Consequently, candidates are advised to undertake
a project similar to the project that the school candidates would normally complete and submit for School-
Based Assessment to develop the requisite competences for this course of study. It should be noted that
private candidates would not be required to submit a project document.

Paper 032 (1 hour 30 minutes – 20 % of Total Assessment)

1. Composition of Paper

Paper 032 is a written paper consisting of a case study based on the three modules. The paper
consists of three compulsory questions which are divided into parts. The questions test skills
similar to those in the School-Based assessment (Paper 031).

2. Syllabus Coverage

This paper is intended to test the knowledge and skills contained in Modules 1, 2 and 3 as outlined
in the syllabus.

3. Question Type

Questions in this paper may be short answer or essay type, based on the case study.

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