Further Maths (A Level)

Are you/do you…

- Really enjoy mathematics, particularly solving problems using algebra?
- Enjoy furthering your mathematical knowledge by learning about new topics?
- Get immense satisfaction when you are able to use your mathematical skills to solve a problem?

How will you be assessed?

The examination board is Edexcel for both A and AS level. AS level mathematics is assessed by two examinations at the end of Year 12, whereas, A level mathematics is assessed by three examinations taken at the end of Year 13. All students will sit the AS qualification in Year 12, even if they plan to take the A level in Year 13.
Two thirds of each course is about the study of Pure mathematics and the other third is Applied mathematics (Statistics and Mechanics). You will be regularly assessed by your teacher with weekly homework and entrance tickets using past paper questions throughout the course.

What will I study?

In pure mathematics you will study algebra, geometry, calculus and trigonometry. You will develop your problem solving skills using many new techniques including differentiation and integration.

In applied mathematics you will study statistics which will extend your previous knowledge to cover topics such as the product moment correlation coefficient and the Normal Distribution. You will also study the elements of mechanics in relation to mathematics. This includes solving problems involving Newton’s laws of motion and problems involving forces acting on a particle.

A level mathematics includes all of the content studied for the AS option, with additional new content for both pure and applied mathematics, studied in Year 13.

How will this course support my future plans?

Mathematics is highly rated by universities and is also a degree course with a very strong academic pedigree in its own right. It has a major input to many other courses including engineering, physics, architecture and other scientific and technical areas of study. It also has significant input to business and finance courses such as accountancy and economics.