MATHEMATICS AND FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Exam Board: AQA Head of Department: Mark Skidmore BSc (Newcastle) PGCE Members of Department: Charlie Allison BA (Oxford) MA (Oxford) Adam Beake BA (Durham) MSc (Durham) PGCE Jenny Clubbe BSc (Royal Holloway) MEd (Buckingham) PGCE Samantha Greenwood BSc (Bristol) PGCE Danny Quinlan BA (Brighton) QTS Fergus Yuille BSc (Liverpool) PGCE

Are you right for the course?

Studying Mathematics can be very enjoyable! The reasons why people opt to study Mathematics and Statistics vary widely but include the desire to study something interesting, stimulating and challenging. Maths is one of the best subjects to 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. Only students who have gained grade 9 to 7 at GCSE or IGCSE should embark on the course.

Courses offered

The content of the Mathematics A Level courses are split into three areas: Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. •A Level Mathematics (2/3 Pure mathematics, 1/6 Mechanics and 1/6 Statistics) •A Level Further Mathematics (½ Pure mathematics, ¼ Mechanics and ¼ Statistics) This can only be taken in conjunction with A Level Mathematics and not independently.

Pure Mathematics:

The Pure Mathematics modules cover some areas with which you are familiar: The development of algebraic skills, including solving polynomial equations and manipulating algebraic expressions, further techniques and uses of trigonometry and the solution of complex geometrical problems, graphical work including coordinate geometry and functions, numerical techniques for solving equations (for example, by trial and improvement) and calculus (differentiation and integration).

Mechanics:

Mechanics is the application of Mathematics to physical situations, for example motion, both linear and circular; forces and equilibrium; energy, work and power.

Statistics:

Statistical elements of the GCSE course include analysing data, hypothesis testing and data science. The A Level course uses different and more sophisticated statistical techniques to manipulate and evaluate data.

Further Mathematics:

The Further Mathematics course bridges the gap between A Level and Degree Mathematics. It is excellent preparation for a Mathematical based degree. Some of the areas of study include matrices, complex numbers, conic sections and hyperbolic functions.

Where will it lead you?

Mathematics A Levels are a good foundation for degrees in Mathematics, Science or Engineering but the subject also provides excellent training in problem-solving and thinking skills which are useful throughout life. People with mathematics qualifications can go into: accounting, medicine, engineering, forensic pathology, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, games development, scientific research, programming, the Civil Service, design, construction and astrophysics, to name but a few career areas.

Examples of specific job roles include Actuary, Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Technology Analyst, Information Engineer, Speech Technology Researcher, and Maths Teacher. Careers enjoyed by Maths graduates tend to be very well paid. The combination of a skills shortage and a growing need for Maths skills means more and more employers are on the lookout for Maths graduates.

What subjects does it go with?

Anything.