Why Study Further Mathematics?

Further Maths is a unique A Level that offers students who have traditionally excelled in Mathematics the chance to look even deeper at key mathematical principles. You earn two distinct A Level qualifications: one in A Level Mathematics and one in A Level Further Mathematics.

There are several reasons why students should consider studying Further Mathematics:

• If you enjoy Mathematics then what is not to like about doing more of it! The Further Mathematics course offers the greatest insight into what real mathematics is about and develops the subject to provide a fuller understanding of both its applied and abstract nature. The extra mathematics practice/lessons also really help to consolidate success in the single A Level Mathematics qualification.

• Students wanting to study Mathematics or Engineering at a top university will generally have been expected to have studied Further Mathematics at A Level. Students applying for these courses who have not studied Further Mathematics are at a disadvantage.

• The content in Further Mathematics often overlaps with first year degree courses in several related disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics and Economics. Students who have already covered this content in the sixth form have an advantage over those that have not.

• Despite its unique place in post 16 education, Further Mathematics is still in the top 15 of the most popular A Level subjects taken by students.

What does the course involve?

Students studying A Level Further Mathematics are taught a bespoke course in a separate class that covers all of the content for A Level Mathematics alongside the extra content for Further Mathematics. Students studying Further Mathematics need to have excellent algebraic skills and a love for the abstract nature of the subject.

As in A Level Mathematics, you will be expected to do a lot of written work, presented so that others can understand clearly what you are trying to do. You will need to be able to think clearly, remember methods you have met and understood and be able to apply them to new situations. You will be expected to talk about your work, with your friends and with your teacher and to be able to apply mathematics to practical situations, sometimes called modelling.

All students studying Further Mathematics will cover the A Level Mathematics Course, plus a second A Level of which 50% is pure mathematics (complex numbers, further calculus, hyperbolic functions, matrices and differential equations) and the other 50% is split equally between mechanics and statistics, building on the topics covered in the single A Level.

Students are recommended to have an approved graphical calculator. All students take a baseline test on the enrolment day in September that’s heavily based on transition work. We use the information gathered to identify weaknesses for a targeted start to a successful course.

How will I be assessed?

100% exam - papers at the end of Year 13

Leading to a career in?

Mathematics is key to most scientific disciplines so it could lead onto higher education courses in science related subjects as well as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science and Economics. With further training, you could go into a job related to Mathematics such as an Accountant, Engineer, Financial Adviser, Business Manager, Software Engineer or Teacher. You could also go straight into a job as the ‘A’ Level is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.