GCSE Statistics

Why should I study Further Maths and Statistics?

Level 2 Further Maths and GCSE Statistics provides an excellent stepping stone to studying A-Level Maths, it will also support a number of other qualifications such as Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. Level 2 Further Maths and GCSE Statistics also provides an additional mathematical qualification that will enhance career prospects if students decide to move into employment following A levels without going on to further education.

Who will teach me Further Maths and Statistics?

We aim to ensure that you have one teacher for the entirety of the qualification. This is likely to Mr Dean as he has taught these qualifications before and is an examiner.

What specification do we follow in Further Maths and Statistics?

We follow the AQA specification and the full specifications can be found here:

GCSE Statistics Specification

Level 2 Further Maths Specification

What will I learn?

These courses will cover a large number of topics, details of these can be seen below. Some of these topics you may recognise as they have elements in the standard GCSE Maths course, however some elements are completely new topics.

GCSE Statistics

1. Data collection and setting hypotheses

2. Completing mathematical analysis of data collected.

3. Generating data visualisations and the process to make these visualisations.

4. Calculate statistical measures to compare data.

5. Make inferences on the results and evaluate the validity and reliability of statistical findings.

Level 2 Further Maths

Number

• • Product rule for counting

  • Manipulation of Surds

Algebra

• • Functions (including composite and inverse)

  • Binomial Expansion

  • Complex factorising

  • Algebraic fractions

  • Manipulating complex formulae

  • Factor theorem

  • Solving Algebraic expressions

  • Proof

  • Limits of sequences

Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)

• • Equation of a circle

  • Tangent lines

Calculus

• • Differentiation

  • Second Derivatives

  • Maxima and Minima of curves

Matrix Transformations

• • Multiplication of matrices

  • Transformations in the coordinate plane

  • Combining transformations using matrix manipulation

Geometry

• • Geometric Proof

  • Sine and Cosine Rule

  • Trigonometric Graphs

  • 3D Pythagoras’ Theorem

  • Solve trigonometric equations (including quadratics)

How will I be assessed?

GCSE Statistics

2 Papers

Written exam

1 hour 45 minutes

80 marks - 50% of grade

Questions - multiple choice, short answer and a statistical enquiry question

Level 2 Further Mathematics

Paper 1: Non Calculator

Paper 2: Calculator

Written exam

1 hour 45 minutes

80 marks - 50% of grade

Questions - A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.

How can I succeed in Level 2 Further Maths and GCSE Statistics?

In order to be successful in these courses you need to have dedication, curiosity, confidence, enthusiasm and a love for maths.

Your teacher will do everything they can to facilitate your learning however, the responsibility to act on any advice given is ultimately down to you.

We recommend that students get the Casio FX-991EX Advanced Engineering/Scientific Calculator to support their learning as it offers more functions that a standard scientific calculator. This calculator can also be used in their standard GCSE Maths.

Why is one course a GCSE and the other a Level 2 Certificate?

All qualifications in the United Kingdom are defined by a 'level'. These start from Entry Level and then go from Level 1 through to Level 8. A GCSE at Grade 4+ is a Level 2 Qualification. A GCSE and Level 2 Certificate are both the same 'level' and the Level 2 Certificates were designed as an alternative to GCSEs. The purpose of this was to provide a qualification of the same level and size as GCSE but there is no requirement for controlled assessment and the structure is linear and assessed through a terminal examination. The curriculum and assessment arrangements of Level 2 Certificates were based on international GCSEs and IGCSEs.