Further Mathematics

Introduction to A level Further Mathematics video

 Edexcel 

This Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics and the subject content for the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE Mathematics qualifications. 

PROGRESSION and ASSESSMENT

Further Mathematics extends the concepts introduced during the Mathematics course and is aimed at students with a particular interest and ability in the subject. Students delve into more complex calculus and algebra, learn a variety of methods of proof and discover abstract concepts, such as the square root of minus one, beyond the scope of the Mathematics course. 

Assessments will be designed to reward students for demonstrating the ability to provide responses that draw together different areas of their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study for the AS further mathematics qualification and also from across the AS Mathematics qualification. Problem solving, proof and mathematical modelling will be assessed in further mathematics in the context of the wider knowledge which students taking A level further mathematics will have studied. The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics consists of four externally-examined papers. Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year. Students should be predicted a Grade 8 at GCSE as a minimum entry level. Graphical calculators are a requirement for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

This course is highly recommended for students hoping to proceed to the top Russell Group Universities to study Mathematics, Engineering , Computer Science and Economics.

COURSE OVERVIEW

AS and A level Further Mathematics has changed from 2017. Both AS and A level  Further Mathematics are linear courses. AS is a standalone qualification. The content of AS level is a sub-set of the A level content, but the marks achieved in the AS does not count towards the A level.

Exam board: Edexcel 

Students are examined in four papers.

All papers are a 1 hour and 30 minute written examination.

Paper 1 and Paper 2 are compulsory requirements:

Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1

(*Paper code: 9FM0/01) 

25% of the A-Level

Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2

(*Paper code: 9FM0/02) 

25% of the A-Level

Content overview Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations 

Paper 3 and Paper 4 the following combinations are added to the compulsory content:

Paper 3: Further Decision Mathematics 1

(*Paper codes: 9FM0/3D) 

25% of the A-Level

Content overview Algorithms, Critical Path Analysis, Linear Programming 

Paper 4: Further Mechanics 1

(*Paper codes: 9FM0/4C) 

25% of the A-Level

Content  overview  Momentum, and Impulses , Work, Energy and Power, Elastic Strings and Springs 

Students who study both Mathematics and Further Mathematics (commonly called Double Mathematics) are usually looking to take a highly-mathematical course at university, such as Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Physics, or Mathematics itself. It is also highly recommended by universities for various courses such as Medicine, Economics, and Veterinary Science.

Mrs Natasha Pecur - Curriculum Leader, Mathematics and Computer Science