Exam Board: Pearson
Subject contact: Sean Parker-Harding
For progression to many courses at university it is important to have strong mathematics skills. For most science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree course A level Mathematics is a requirement and AS or A level Further Mathematics is often a preferred subject. Anyone applying to study a degree in a STEM subject should consider taking Further Mathematics to at least AS level as the additional content helps ensure a successful
progression to university. AS Further Mathematics is accessible to most A level Mathematics students. Having A level Further Mathematics on your university application is a way to make you stand out.
“Those students who had studied further mathematics to A - or AS-level standard reported coping better with the mathematical content of the degree, and as such perceived
that they required less additional support throughout their studies.” Institute of Physics ‘Mind the Gap’ report 2010
“In general, it is harder than expected, especially the mathematical aspects. I felt thoroughly unprepared for the mathematics involved coming from only having maths (no further maths) A-level. My peers who did study further maths were much better prepared.” Engineering student
A level Further Mathematics is fun and rewarding. It broadens your mathematical skills and promotes deeper mathematical thinking. You will be introduced to interesting new areas of pure mathematics such as complex numbers and apply mathematics in a wider range of contexts.
Assessment in June (Year 13) 4 x 1 hour 30 min exams (2 Core and 2 Options)
Each exam is 25% of the qualification
The depth and breadth of knowledge gained in A Level Further Maths builds on both A Level Maths and the first year of studying Further Maths at A Level.
Two examples of important Further Maths pure topics are complex numbers and matrices.
One area of discrete mathematics is graph theory, which includes solving problems such as ‘What would be the most efficient route for
delivering post around a network of streets?’ This topic uses algorithms which are vital in computer science.
To support students with their Post 18 destinations, this course is offered beyond the usual timetabled curriculum with bespoke 1-2-1 support so students can explore options more relevant to their future studies.
Please speak to a member of the Maths team to find out more.
Covers the fundamental concepts of further maths, such as:
Complex numbers
Argand diagrams
Roots of polynomials
Proof by induction
Matrices
Further algebra and functions
Builds on Paper 1, introducing more advanced topics:
Further calculus
Further differential equations
Polar coordinates
Hyperbolic function
Further vectors
Students choose from the below options for both optional papers.
Further Pure Mathematics
Further Statistics
Further Mechanics
Decision Mathematics