Further Maths
Qualification Information
| Entry Requirements: |
GCSE Maths Grade 7+ This course MUST be taken in conjunction with A Level Mathematics |
| Length of Course: | 2 Years |
| Assessment: | 100% Examinations |
| Components: |
Paper 1 Core Pure Mathematics 1 (1h 30) |
| Qualification: | Edexcel A level Further Mathematics |
Mathematics is a vast subject, studying numbers, quantities, shape, space, the relationships between these, and a great deal more besides. Further Mathematics provides deeper grounding in, and greater conceptual understanding of, both Pure and Applied Mathematics by introducing students to such topics as complex numbers, matrix algebra, differential equations, hyperbolic functions, Polar co-ordinates and others. All these ideas are extremely important for the establishment of many scientific concepts present today and, for those passionate about Mathematics, are very interesting to learn in their own right. Decision Mathematics involves mathematics that solves real world problems to find efficient solutions such as optimisation.
By the end of the course, you will have taken your mathematical aptitude to a higher level and further developed your logical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
You will study additional Pure Maths components, you will meet additional Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Mathematics. Decision Mathematics involves mathematics that solves real world problems to find efficient solutions such as optimisation.
Do you really love Maths? Do you enjoy the thrill of problem solving? Are you logical and precise? Do you have very good algebraic skills? Although mathematics can be a creative subject you do need to be able to work methodically and understand the need to be precise. You will spend 4-5 hours a week in lessons and then will spend a similar amount of time outside of lessons studying it.
If you are studying Additional Maths or Further Maths courses in Year 11 these will be an advantage for you but not a requirement for starting A Level Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics A Level adds depth and breadth to your Mathematical Studies.
Mathematics is a desirable qualification for many career pathways. It is considered to be a facilitating subject for other subject areas. The mathematical skills you learn in Further Mathematics are of great benefit in other subject areas such as physics, chemistry, biology and computing. Career opportunities include:- accountancy, actuarial studies, computer programming, medicine, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, banking, law, statistical and data analysis, teaching.
Many Russell Group universities require you to have studied Further Mathematics at least to AS Level as an entry requirement for degrees with a strong mathematical component; such as Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science and Physics.
Is it much harder than GCSE Maths?
The course runs alongside the A Level course which starts in Year 12 revisiting and building on the algebra skills you have learned in Higher tier GCSE. We then move on to introduce you to more advanced pure and applied topics.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Lessons are a mixture of methods and examples taught from the board. There are opportunities for group work and using technology. There are Power Points and write in booklets to support you. We do expect you to practice new concepts using the course textbook at home. Regular homework is set; there a short exam question tasks as well as longer independent study tasks. There are regular mini tests as well as longer half termly assessments. You will need a calculator suitable for A Level Mathematics. These can be bought at a discounted rate via school.
Can I just do AS Further Mathematics?
The work covered in year 12 would allow you to sit the AS exam either in Year 12 or Year 13.