Mathematics and Further Mathematics Edexcel
Why study Mathematics?
The modern world needs mathematicians for the continued development of our increasingly technological society. For example,the areas of finance, communication, science and transportation. Employers value skills of analysis, logic and problem solving that thestudy of Mathematics develops
Mathematics A Level is essential for those looking to study Mathematicsbased degree courses such as Physics and Engineering. Other subjects such as Architecture and Medicine have a significant mathematical content where a Mathematics A Level qualification would be advantageous. It will also provide support for the mathematical content encountered in Economics, Geography and Science A Levels.
Why study Further Mathematics?
For a student who really enjoys Mathematics there is an opportunity to choose A Level Further Mathematics alongside A Level Mathematics. This additional course provides a challenge and chance to explore new and more sophisticated concepts and applications such as matricesand complex numbers that are important for many STEM degrees. It will distinguish you as an able mathematician in university applications and future employment.
Entry Requirements
You should be expecting to achieve at least a grade 7 for GCSE Mathematics. You need to enjoythe subject, particularly algebra, and gain personal satisfaction from solving challenging problems and puzzles.
What is Involved?
For the A Level Mathematics course, the content includes Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanicsin the ratio 4:1:1. Assessment is by three 2-hour exam papers, all taken at the end of Year 13. For the new A Level Further Mathematics course, the content includes Further Pure Mathematics, Decision Mathematics and Further Statistics in the ratio 2:1:1. Assessment is by four 90-minute exam papers, all taken at the end of Year 13.
There is no coursework component for either course. A calculator is required for all exam papers and it shouldhave features that enable the calculation of summary statistics and probabilities from standard statistical distributions. It also should enable calculations with matrices and iterative processes.
Some of the topics for A Level Mathematics are familiar from GCSE and are developed further but there are also many new ones introduced such as Differentiation and Integration, which are extremely importantcomponents of postGCSE Maths study. All A Level mathematicians will also be strongly encouraged to participate in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge Competition to broaden their mathematical experience and improve their problem solving skills. There is also the opportunity to be part of the College team entering the UK Senior Maths Team Challenge. Significant achievement in these competitions is well regarded by universities
