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Mathematics & Further Mathematics

Course content

Maths is one of the best subjects to help you develop your analytical, research and problem solving skills. Not only will studying maths help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.

Just as languages provide the building blocks and rules we need to communicate, maths uses its own language, made up of numbers, symbols and formulas, to explore the rules we need to measure or identify essential problems like distance, speed, time, space, change, force and quantities.

Studying Maths helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, Maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics, build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions.

In this sense, studying Maths helps predict the future…

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

A lot of the A level and Further Math’s students go on to study Mathematics at university or studying accounting, medicine, engineering, forensic pathology, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, games development, scientific research, programming, civil service, design, construction and astrophysics to name a few…

How will I learn?

You may have different teachers for the Pure and Applied Modules with the learning predominantly taking place in the classroom. There are six lessons per week for A-level Math’s and an additional six lessons per week if you also choose to take Further Math.

How will I be assessed?

The A level Mathematics qualification is assessed through three final papers.
Both A level and AS Mathematics have a simple 2:1 ratio of Pure to Applied content.

How much time should I be expected to spend on private study? Assignments, projects, field trips etc.?

You will be expected to spend around five hours per week outside lesson time to complete the work set and for revision.
It is essential that you schedule time to practise weekly to ensure that new concepts are deeply understood. Do not forget that Maths is best learned and revised through attempting questions though.

Which awarding body is the course validation by?

Edexcel

Expected prior knowledge

To study Mathematics at A-Level you should get at least a Grade 7 at GCSE, and Grade 8 and above for Further Maths, enjoy maths, be hard working, committed and prepared to challenge yourself and work on aspects that you find difficult.