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MATHEMATICAL STUDIES (Core Maths
Exam Board: AQA Head of Department: Mark Skidmore BSc (Newcastle) PCGE 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?
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Yes. This is a course suitable for pupils who do not want to commit to taking a full A Level in Mathematics, but want to learn some really useful maths. It is a level 3 qualification, studied ideally over one year, which is equivalent to an AS, or half an A Level. The course will prepare learners for the mathematics requirements of higher education courses and equip learners to apply for university, training or employment. This subject cannot be taken alongside a Mathematics A Level or Mathematics AS Level qualification. Core Maths earns the same UCAS points as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and should be considered equivalent in terms of the commitment required by the student. There are two timetabled lessons a week and an activity slot to enable everyone to complete the course in one year. Successfully completing this course in that timeframe has led to reduced UCAS offers.
What does the course consist of?
The emphasis of the course is on applications of Mathematics to real-life problems. Topics studied include: • Maths for personal finance • Critical analysis of data • Estimation (the single biggest deficit in student ability identified by university lecturers)
Where will it lead to?
Core Mathematics is a suitable ‘companion’ course for any other AS or A Level; it may be combined with the Sciences, Economics, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology or Computer Science. 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 such as planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.
