Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics offers an additional challenge for high achieving students by assessing in greater depth their higher order mathematical skills. The content is designed to prepare them to maximise their potential in further studies at A Level.

GCSE (Year 10-11)

Examination Board: AQA

Course Description

The Further Mathematics curriculum offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the main GCSE curriculum and is taken as an additional qualification alongside GCSE Mathematics. This subject places an emphasis on rigorous argument and problem solving skills in the context of algebra and geometry. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices, and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.

The AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is taken by the majority of students in the highest group for Maths in Year 11. Final decisions on who will take the examination are not made until January of Year 11.

Assessment

The course is assessed with 2 examination papers taken at the end of the course. Both papers are a mixture of question styles, from single mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.

Paper 1: Non-calculator (1 hour 45 mins, worth 50%)
Paper 2 Calculator (1 hour 45 mins, worth 50%)

Revision Materials

Sixth Form (Year 12-13)

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Course Description

Opting for Further Mathematics means you are taking two A Levels in Mathematics – Mathematics and Further Mathematics. This means you have eight hours of Mathematics lessons per week (as well as Independent Study time) to extend and develop your understanding of Pure Mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry) to solve problems, and apply your skills in Statistics (data handling and probability) and Mechanics (how and whether things move).

Further Mathematics challenges you to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding, analysis, evaluation and problem solving. You will learn to construct rigorous mathematical arguments, make deductions and inferences and explain your reasoning (using mathematical language and notation correctly).You will translate situations into mathematical models, evaluate the outcomes, recognise the limitations of models and, where appropriate, explain how to refine them.

A Level Further Mathematics requires the ability to enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of solving complex problems.

Assessment

This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course with all units examined at the end of Year 13.

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Mathematics is required.

Student Destinations

Avni Prashar

2024 Offers from:

University of Bath – Mathematics and Statistics
Durham University – Mathematics and Statistics
Loughborough University – Mathematics and Statistics
University of Warwick – Mathematics and Statistics

St Bartholomew’s School Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 6JP

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