Maths – Further Maths

Course Details

Awarding Body: AQA

Staff Contacts: Mr P Hodson (phodson@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk), Mr C Slack (cslack@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk)

Key features of the course

A Level Further Maths looks into topics in greater depth and is an extra A Level for students with an aptitude for the subject. It covers more pure areas of the subject (such as complex numbers, differential equations and matrices). This makes up the majority of the course. In addition to pure maths, the course also looks at elements of mechanics (such as energy, collisions and circular motion) and the relatively new and exciting area of decision maths (such as networks, critical path analysis, game theory and abstract algebra).

Entry Requirements:

Minimum of 5 GCSE grades 9-4. Entrants would  require a Grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics in order to manage the rigour of the course content.

What could this course lead on to?

A Level Maths (and Further Maths) can lead to degrees or higher level apprenticeships in these areas and more; not to mention mathematical degrees themselves.

Students have often used A Level Mathematics to facilitate further courses in areas such as:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Business Studies
  • Psychology
  • Media
  • Geography
  • Technology
  • Sport

Future prospects and careers

Most forms of skilled and professional careers will require you to use Maths in some way. Certain fields rely heavily on Mathematics, such as accountancy, finance and banking, management, IT, the sciences, construction, engineering, manufacturing, research and medical technology.

What type of student is this course suitable for?

The reason many of these careers place such a high value on mathematics is that students of the subject will be able to further develop their skills in the following areas:

  • Problem solving – such as using creative and lateral thinking with an ability to assess available options;
  • Organisation – planning, scheduling and prioritising;
  • Communication – Using facts and figures to form logical arguments based on data;
  • Attention to detail – checking plans and information for flaws;
  • Administration – the ability to record suitable data and design and manage processes;
  • Financial planning – producing financial reports and plans based on relevant information.

Assessment Structure

It is important to understand the assessment structure of the course. What percent are the units ? Are they internally or externally assessed ? Are they exams or coursework?
Unit 1
  • Pure mathematics
  • Terminal examination (2/3 of exam)
Unit 2
  • Mechanics
  • Terminal examination (1/6 of exam)
Unit 3
  • Discrete
  • Terminal examination (1/6 of exam)