Overview

 

We offer an A Level course in Further Mathematics in addition to the A Level in Mathematics. As the content of the single subject Mathematics has been reduced, this course is a really exciting opportunity for those students that wish to take the ideas and concepts of Mathematics a stage further and who enjoy the twists and turns of Mathematical exploration.

 

The course is designed for those who:

 Find sufficient enjoyment in Mathematics to wish to develop the subject beyond the usual A-level extent and depth.

 Are able to work independently, creatively solving problems in both Pure & Applied Mathematics.

 Want to keep open the option of pursuing a Higher Education course in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Economics.

 May wish to sit Oxford or Cambridge University Entrance for Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering or Economics, and therefore need to take a paper (or papers) in Mathematics

 

What will I study?

 

As the subject is taught in parallel with the A Level Mathematics course, the Further Mathematics teaching in Year 12 does not presume any knowledge of Mathematics beyond the GCSE higher level specification. However it must be stressed that, since the student is exposed to Mathematics for almost half of each week and progress is rapid, the course exists for able students with a flair for the subject, who also enjoy doing Mathematics.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

We offer the Edexcel specification which requires a student to take six further modules beyond the single subject A Level. These are likely to comprise; three Pure Mathematics, and three Applied (Statistics, Mechanics or Decision) modules. The further study of Applied Mathematics allows more realistic and in-depth solutions of a greater range of problems in context to be considered.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Grade A in Mathematics

Route 2 – Grade A in Mathematics

Route 3 – Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

Any student planning to take a mathematics-rich degree (this covers a very wide range of academic areas - Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., as well as Mathematics itself) will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS Level.

 

Students who are not planning to study for mathematics-rich degrees but who are keen on mathematics will find Further Mathematics a very enjoyable course and having a Further Mathematics qualification identifies students as having excellent analytical skills, whatever area they plan to study or work within.

 

AS Further Mathematics introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers that are vital in many mathematics-rich degrees. Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to such degrees far more straightforward. Studying Further Mathematics also boosts students’ performance in AS/A Level Mathematics.