FURTHER MATHEMATIC S

This course builds upon the concepts covered in A level Mathematics so must be studied in addition to, rather than in replacement of A level Mathematics

Further Mathematics qualifications are highly regarded and are warmly welcomed by universities If you are considering a degree in Mathematics, the Further Mathematics A level would certainly be beneficial and in some cases will be a pre-requisite The course is also considered useful if you intend to study Computer Science, Economics, Engineering or Physics at University In addition, if you are intending to apply for a degree in Computer Science or Mathematics at Oxford or a Maths or Maths based subject at Cambridge, you will need to sit STEP 2 or MAT which will require you to have some knowledge of the Further Mathematics syllabus

What is the course content?

A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics are taught linearly across two-years In the first year you will cover all aspects of the A level Mathematics course and in the second year you will cover the Core Pure and Applied components from the Further Mathematics Course The Applied component is made up of two out of these three options: Further Statistics, Further Mechanics and Decision Mathematics During the course you will be prepared for all three of these options and the best two results in the final exams will contribute towards your overall grade

How is the course assessed?

The courses you will study are the Pearson Edexcel A levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, these courses were introduced in England for first teaching from September 2017 At the end of the Upper Sixth you will complete the A level Mathematics examinations alongside five (1½ hr) additional examination papers; two based on the Further Maths Core Pure content (50%) and three which cover the Applied content: Further Statistics, Further Mechanics and Decision Mathematics; The best two results from the three Applied papers will contribute to your overall grade (50%)

What else should I consider?

If you are thinking about taking Further Mathematics then you should be aiming to achieve a grade 9 in GCSE/IGCSE Maths and ideally also studying a Further Maths course If you are unsure whether you will achieve this, talk it through with your present teacher who will be best placed to guide you

Throughout the Upper Sixth Form we seek out extracurricular opportunities to reinforce, further stretch and challenge those that have opted for Mathematics and provide support for those whose preferred University and course require them to complete admissions tests (STEP and MAT)

Pre-course material

GCSE Mathematics should provide you with the foundation knowledge required to complete an A level in Further Mathematics However, there are a number of resources online which are designed to make the transition from GCSE to A level as smooth as possible The AMSP have produced a really good, free downloadable resource called “Transition to A level Mathematics: Essential Skills” which you may find useful or visit MEI org uk for more resources