The School Mathematics Project (SMP) was set up as a result of research into mathematics education at Southampton University during 1961 - 1962 and became a major curriculum developer. The SMP approach was often referred to as the ‘New Mathematics’ and its original intention was to reform traditional methods of teaching the subject and engage students more actively in the everyday application of mathematics.
The SMP Graduated Assessment scheme was devised to assess the lowest 40% of the attainment range and candidates were assessed at stages throughout their course. The qualification was administered by OCSEB and then MEG. From 1989 the 14+ stage was linked to the GCSE with the student cohort being prepared for the GCSE only from 1994.
No committee papers are included in this series, which otherwise comprises a good representation of examination publications and teacher support material such as newsletters, guides and reports. However, the series does include development papers from 1973 regarding a feasibility study into a single examination system for 16+ with a report on the study from the Test Development Research Unit, an inter-board research department based at UCLES on behalf of the SMP, OCSEB and SREB.