Further Maths
The Further Mathematics A Level offers students an opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating and subtle concepts that reveal the beauty at the heart of the mathematical universe. You will develop an understanding of powerful techniques crucial to other subjects, such as Physics, Engineering or Computer Science, but that are also intriguing and remarkable in their own right.
“Let us grant that the pursuit of mathematics is a divine madness of the human spirit, a refuge from the goading urgency of contingent happenings.”
Alfred North Whitehead
Entry requirements
As well as the general entry requirements to Sixth Form, students will need at least a Grade 8 in their Mathematics GCSE, and preferably to have studied the AQA Level 2 Further Maths Certificate. Students are also required to study Mathematics A Level alongside this qualification.
Course description
Further Mathematics will extend the students’ mathematical experience to exciting and challenging realms. New possibilities and techniques for interpreting and analysing increasing complex situations will be developed and students will find themselves studying concepts that previously seemed mathematically impossible.
Students will also explore the worlds of statistics and mechanics more deeply. Using powerful new calculus, graphical and algebraic techniques students will model and analyse intricate and demanding scenarios. Topics will include complex numbers, vectors and matrices, and hyperbolic functions. These will then be applied to real-world statistical situations such Chi-squared tests, Poisson distributions, and hypothesis testing; and circular motion, impulse, and elastic collisions in mechanics.
Assessments
Students will sit assessments at the end of every chapter, allowing close tracking of their strengths and areas for improvement. There are also regular cumulative assessments covering all the topics covered up to that point, preparing students for the final exams.
The external assessments are sat at the end of Year 13 and consist of four equally weighted 1.5 hour papers. The first two are Core Pure Paper 1 and 2, the third and fourth are Further Statistics and Further Mechanics. All papers are out of 75 marks and calculators are permitted in all of them.
Students are expected to use an advanced calculator with Matrix, Calculus and Statistical functions. The Casio fx-991 Classwiz is the standard model used by the students.
Ways to help you child succeed
Regular and focused practice is the key to success in the Mathematics A Level. Parents and carers should ask to see assessments and exercises done as homework and make sure the work is clear and neat. Ask the student to explain what they are doing in each step, as teaching others is a powerful method of learning. It is very important students fully engage with their work at this level. They should be encouraged to discuss mathematics with staff, each other, or anyone else interested in hearing about their studies.
Attendance at the Period 6s has a significant positive impact on students’ outcomes. There is a strong correlation between those students utilising the one-to-one support available at these sessions, and those obtaining or surpassing their target grades. Please encourage your child to take advantage of the opportunity to succeed that Period 6 offers.
The course is delivered in separate modules and chapters, so it is vital that students keep their notes well organised. They should have individual folders for each module, sorted into chapters. Notes and assessment should be filed in the correct place, along with any personal revision material.
Useful websites
amsp.org.uk/
www.mathsnetalevel.com/
www.khanacademy.org/