A-Level Further Maths

MATHEMATICS, FURTHER A-LEVEL

Exam Board: Edexcel/ AQA

For Further Mathematics we follow the Edexcel exam board specification.

What are the benefits of the course?

This course is suitable for students who enjoyed Mathematics at GCSE Level and having gained strong mathematical skills wish to study the subject in greater depth. The course mainly concerns itself with developing the more abstract and algebraic ideas introduced at GCSE, although it does include some applications of mathematics.

In simple terms, we put an emphasis on algebra, graphs, number patterns and trigonometry. You will be actively involved in developing mathematical ideas. The problems used arise from, and relate to, everyday life. You will develop skills using modern technology such as computers and graphical calculators.

Students who achieve and 8 or 9 in GCSE Mathematics may wish to study Further Mathematics alongside standard Mathematics.

There is also the opportunity for students who achieve a grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics but do not wish to continue studying algebra to study Core Mathematics. This in an alternative Level 3 AS qualification that focuses on consolidating students’ mathematical understanding from GCSE and developing skills in the application of mathematics to authentic problems.

What will I study?

In Further Mathematics you will study Core Pure and Applied modules.

All students will have to complete Core Pure 1 which includes: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further Calculus, Further Vectors.

In addition to this, students need to take two of the following four options.

Further Pure 1: Vectors, Conic Sections, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus and numerical methods.

Further Statistics: Linear regressions, Statistical Distributions (Discrete and Continuous), more hypothesis testing, Chi squared tests and sampling accuracy.

Decision Mathematics: Algorithms and graph theory, Algorithms on graphs, Critical Path Analysis and Linear programming.

Further Mechanics: Moments, Work and energy, Elastic strings and springs, Elastic collisions.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: 1h30 – 75 Marks Core Pure 1 – Year 12 content only

Paper 2: 1h30 – 75 Marks Core Pure 2 - Year 12 and 13 content

Paper 3: 1h30 – 75 Marks Option 1 – Students to pick 2 of the following options:

Further Pure, Further Statistics,

Paper 4: 1h30 – 75 Marks Option 2 - Decision Maths, Further Mechanics

What does it lead to?

An A-Level in Mathematics enables access to a wide range of career and Higher Education opportunities. Possible further career paths include those in science and technology, computing, engineering, medicine, business and management, finance and accountancy, architecture, law and teaching.

Entry Requirements:

Students wishing to study Further Mathematics will need to study this alongside the standard Mathematics A-Level.

Grade 8 or 9 in GCSE Mathematics.

Staff Contact:

Mrs J Whybra

jwhybra@brakenhale.co.uk