Any Maths teachers? GCSE Maths question review

[chocorabbit]

I only know of @noblegiraffe who teaches secondary maths but any other maths teachers are welcome to answer!

DS2 is a mark off a 7 in Maths. We wanted to have it reviewed but we also worry he might lose marks. We were hoping to convince his school to give him the A-level he wants (not maths) because of his circumstances which they know about. At the time we didn't know the grade boundaries and how close he was and now his school is closed.

The thing is that eldest DS found a question in paper 3 I think where DS2 has got 0 marks although he found the right answer. The question presents the data as ratios but DS2 added them up and solved it using fractions. So he found 3 fractions and pointed each to each child's name. Then he said that the child was right as they all got the same amount as fractions were equal. DS1 found the same using ratios when he tried the question. The question didn't ask them to solve it using a particular method from what I can see. His teacher said that he didn't have the marking criteria to give an answer but neither did DS have any indication.

I would like to know your opinions about whether DS2 should have received any marks for this question.

Is it Edexcel, paper 2 Q6?

If so, the mark scheme explicitly allows fractions. Do you want to PM me the answer he got (I don't want it on an open forum as the papers and answers are meant to be secure for next year's mocks!).

You were right! I've PMed you.

It definitely looks like it's worth sending in for a review of marking. If you do get it reviewed, can you let us know the outcome? A maths paper going up by 4 marks would be something I've not come across before and I'd need to think about that for future advice!

My DS answered that one using fractions and got 4 marks. Good luck!

Thank you very much! The thing is I trust you but not the examiners! DS1 said that the examiner probably didn't understand his method but but DS1 did and so did you and I. We were thinking of talking to DS's school first when it opens in a few days' time, get confirmation about his subject and after we are safe apply for reviewing. In any case I will definitely update you! What happens btw if the second examiner doesn't know how to apply the marking scheme either? Will we get a script with the review or will we have to apply for it like this one?

If you send it for review and it comes back unchanged you can then appeal the review and say 'look at Q6, it's obviously marked incorrectly'.

I don't think it's that the examiner didn't understand the method, it's actually the method given in the markscheme, but it's that your DS used simplified fractions and the mark scheme has unsimplified fractions so it doesn't immediately look like the right answer.

Thank you @parsleyeatingbunny , that's nice to hear!

Thanks @noblegiraffe ! You always know what you are talking about and it's very reassuring to hear what happens!

@noblegiraffe

Update: DS managed to get a 7 and is now doing the subject he wanted. The review only gave him 1 extra mark. I thought fair enough, they must have cut marks from other questions too so on balance he got 1 extra but no, they just gave him 1/4 marks in the same question where he had got 0/4 before! I am happy he got a 7 but it doesn't make sense. Anyway, thanks!

Oh I was wondering how the review went! I knew he'd definitely get an extra mark on that question because he had the exact number on his working that was on the markscheme. I'm really surprised he didn't get the rest though, I guess even re-marks can be sloppy!

Well done on his 7, and I'm glad he got onto his course!