Further Mathematics (A Level)
The pure mathematician, like the musican, is a free creator of his world of ordered beauty.
Students who are especially keen on mathematics will really enjoy studying Further Mathematics. It is a demanding qualification which both extends and deepens students' knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A Level. Students who intend to study something mathematical at a top university should give it serious consideration.
Future Opportunities
Any student planning to take a mathematics-rich degree will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics. This covers a very wide range of academic areas: Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics etc. as well as Mathematics itself.
Students who are not planning to study for mathematics-rich degrees but are keen on Mathematics will find Further Mathematics a very enjoyable course and having a Further Mathematics qualification identifies students as having excellent analytical skills, whatever area they plan to study or work in.
What are the entry requirements?
Five or more GCSEs Grade 9 - 4 or equivalent, including English.
Grade 7 in Mathematics and to have chosen Maths A Level as another option.
What will I study?
Further Mathematics is designed to be learnt alongside Mathematics. You will study Core Pure Maths which covers:
- Proof
- Complex numbers
- Matrix algebra
- Extensions of content covered in Mathematics
You will also study two elective modules (two from decision maths, statistics, mechanics and additional pure). Everyone will study the same two elective modules but the preferences of students will be taken into consideration wherever possible.
At A Level in Year 13 you will build upon the content learnt in the first year and develop the skills introduced.
How will I be assessed?
Board: Edexcel.
Year 13 A Level: Four 90-minute exams (two for pure and one for each of the elective modules).
FAQ
What is the average class size?
The average class size is around 12 for A Level Maths and slightly less for A-Level Further Maths. Students can get plenty of one-on-one help from teachers.
Are the teachers specialists in the subject area?
All Maths A-level teachers are specialists.
How successful have previous students been in this subject?
Because of the individual support students receive, many students have excelled in Maths at Forge Valley.
What other subjects compliment this course?
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Computing, Business Studies, Economics to name a few. Other A-levels which require knowledge of critical data analysis can also benefit from Core Maths, A Level Maths and Further Maths Skills.
Will studying this subject allow me to go to university?
Absolutely, universities include Mathematics based A Levels on many of their requirements for courses that rely heavily on use of data. More universities are also now seeing Core Maths as evidence that students have the skills with data and analysis required to study on other courses that require these skills.
What careers can the subject lead to?
Accounting technician ,Acoustics consultant, Actuary, Aerospace engineer, Air traffic controller, Bank manager, Civil engineer, Credit controller, Criminologist, Cyber intelligence officer, Data analyst-statistician, Economist ,Electrical engineer, Finance officer, Financial adviser, Insurance underwriter, Investment analyst, Meteorologist, Research scientist, Software developer, Stockbroker, Tax adviser and many more.