Maths

Mathematics A Level

maths

Further Mathematics A Level

Further Mathematics A Level You must combine Further Mathematics A Level with Mathematics A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

One year for AS Further Mathematics. Two years for A Level Further Mathematics What is this course about?

In combination with maths this is the double maths course for those who wish to study more mathematics to a higher level. It is particularly useful to those who want to go on to study a degree in a mathematically related discipline. The Further Maths course is more difficult than the Maths one and is therefore suited to those students who are very able mathematicians.

What topics will I study?

The course extends the algebra and trigonometry you will learn in A Level Mathematics and also covers areas such as matrices and complex numbers. You will also study units in mechanics and decision maths..

How will my work be assessed?

The A level course is assessed by examinations at the end of the two year course. There is no coursework.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress but this will not count towards your final A Level grade.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

You will need a strong interest and aptitude for mathematics. You will need to spend a lot of time outside of class working on the concepts taught in class so you need good independent study skills. You will need to build on the knowledge learnt from higher tier Mathematics GCSE and will need to be particularly strong at algebra and pick up new mathematical concepts quickly.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will further improve your GCSE algebra and trigonometry skills and also learn new techniques. We will help you develop the ability to tackle long, complicated problems in a step-by- step way. You will also need to develop the skill of being able to

self-assess your progress and plan independent study.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including 7 in Mathematics.

What are the lessons like?

The course is designed to be a smooth transition from GCSE Mathematics.

Topics will be introduced in an accessible, relevant and enjoyable way. There will be time in class to work with others a practice what you have learnt. You will use a mix of textbooks, worksheets and interactive internet resources.

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be prepared to study the subject in depth on your own in addition to in class. Persevere with problems and ask for assistance when needed.

You will need to purchase and use a graphical calculator.

What students say about this course?

“The teacher is very helpful and will help you understand the more difficult concepts” “The assignments are hard work but the feedback really helps” “I got extra help with my STEP exam preparation and applications to study maths at university”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You must take A Level Mathematics with A Level Further Mathematics.

You should put both courses on your application form.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

We do not recommend that you choose A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics if you are only studying three subjects. Further Mathematics should be your fourth subject in your first year (if you are a strong mathematician you can study further maths as a fourth subject even if you would not automatically meet the college’s general requirements for studying four subjects). You can then choose later whether to continue with A Level Further Mathematics in year 13.

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Electronics and Biology are the most popular subjects to combine with Mathematics and Further Mathematics. However, students have also combined Mathematics and Further Mathematics with Art, Music, Economics and English.

What do people do with A Level Further Maths?

A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics is an important pair of qualifications if you wish to study mathematics, sciences, engineering or computing at university.

Many top universities prefer at least AS Further Mathematics to study maths, physics or engineering. It also provides the basis for a career as a mathematics teacher.

A Level Further Mathematics is also useful for going directly on to competitive training schemes in careers such as engineering, accountancy, insurance, tax and finance.

Mathematics A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

This course extends the mathematical skills you have acquired at GCSE. You will learn to apply your skills to solve more complex problems and apply mathematics to real-life situations.

We will teach you how to communicate your mathematics clearly using correct notation and prepare you for degree level study in a mathematical subject.

What topics will I study?

The new A Level mathematics specification includes algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics and mechanics.

How will my work be assessed?

This course is assessed by examinations at the end of the two year course.

There is no coursework.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress but this will not count towards your final A Level grade.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

You will need an interest and aptitude for Mathematics. You will need to build on the knowledge learnt from higher tier Mathematics GCSE. You need to particularly enjoy the algebra you have studied at GCSE. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will further improve your GCSE algebra and trigonometry skills and also learn new techniques. We will help you develop the ability to tackle long, complicated problems in a step-by- step way. You will also need to develop the skill of being able to self-assess your progress and plan independent study.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C. At least a grade 6 from the new GCSE Mathematics.

If you have taken the old GCSE Mathematics then you will need a B grade.

What are lessons like?

This course is designed to ensure a smooth transition from higher tier GCSE Mathematics. You will be

introduced to topics in an accessible, relevant and enjoyable way. You will be encouraged to use a graphical or Casio Classwiz calculator and all maths classrooms have interactive whiteboards. You will often work in small groups but also sometimes work independently

A Level Statistics is ideally suited for students who enjoy performing calculations and working with numbers but don’t enjoy abstract algebra and trigonometry. Statistics is a particularly good choice for students studying biology, psychology, geography or PE.

In addition to lessons there will also be extra support sessions for you to attend and maths teachers are available outside of lesson time for help with homework.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

If you are taking Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science or Electronics then we strongly recommend that you also study mathematics.

What do students say about this course?

“The teachers are really supportive and will always help if I am stuck on a topic.”

“There is a lot of independent study but it is really useful and the feedback is very helpful.”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You can add Further Mathematics A Level if you have at least a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics. If you are planning on studying mathematics, physics, engineering or similar disciplines at university then Further Mathematics is strongly recommended. Further Mathematics should be taken as a fourth subject.

You can sit the AS further maths exams at the end of the first year and then decide whether to continue with the A level.

Many humanities, sciences and business-related subjects have a strong emphasis on maths and therefore it can be useful to study mathematics alongside. (For example with Geography, Biology, PE, Business and Psychology).

You can also choose Maths as a sharp contrast to your other subjects to demonstrate that you have a wide range of aptitudes and interests. So combinations with Fine Art or Music or English Literature are not uncommon.

What do people do with A Level Maths?

It is a valuable qualification in many higher education courses including degrees in Mathematics, the Sciences, Engineering, Finance and Computing and Architecture.

Mathematics is also useful for going directly on to training schemes in careers such as engineering, accountancy, insurance, tax and finance.

Changing lives, through learning

@ Info@haywardsheath.ac.uk

haywardsheath.ac.uk

Harlands Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 1LT

Come see what we can offer you.

Visit us at one of our Open Events.

2019

2020

Thursday 24th Oct 2019 4:30 - 7:00pm

Tuesday 11th Feb 2020 4:30 - 7:00pm

Saturday 16th Nov 2019 10:00am - 1:00pm

Tuesday 23 June 2020 10:00am - 12:00pm

All info correct at date of issue.

Please check haywardsheath.ac.uk for updates.