Head of Department: Mrs L Scott
Email: [email protected]
Exam Board: Edexcel
What is maths and what do mathematicians do?
Over 92,000 students took A level Mathematics this year, with almost 15,000 also
completing A level Further Mathematics. Mathematics has consolidated its position as the
most popular A level choice in the UK. This reflects the growing recognition by students,
teachers, higher education and employers of the importance and usefulness of strong
mathematical skills. Growth in numbers taking AS Further Mathematics has also been
dramatic, with a further rise of 10% since 2014.
A selection of the career destinations of mathematics graduates as quoted by various
universities are: Research analyst, derivatives specialist, foreign exchange dealer, chartered
engineer, teacher, economist, risk analyst, urban planner, medical statistician.
Overview of the course
A Level further maths is the study of Further Pure mathematics and Applied maths
(Statistics and Decision). There are two Further Pure units and one each of Statistics and
Decision mathematics. The Further Pure is an extension of the Core maths units studied for
A level maths.
Many universities, particularly those in the Russell Group, require students to have at least
AS Further mathematics to study for a mathematics degree. In addition to this, further
mathematics is highly regarded by universities when students are applying for other
courses.
In the first year you will study
Further Pure mathematics 1. Proof; Complex numbers; Matrices; Further algebra and
functions; Further calculus; Further vectors
Decision mathematics 1. Algorithms and graph theory; Algorithms on graphs; Critical path
analysis; Linear programming
further maths
A Level
In the second year you will study
Further Pure mathematics 2. Complex numbers; Further algebra and functions; Further calculus; Polar
coordinates; Hyperbolic functions; Differential equations
Further Statistics 1. Linear regression; Statistical distributions (discrete and continuous); Correlation;
Hypothesis testing; Chi squared tests
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed with four externally examined papers at the end of the second year. Each paper will be
1 hour and 30 minutes long and carry 75 marks. There will be two Further Pure Mathematics papers and one
paper for each of Decision Mathematics 1 and Further Statistics 1.
What is the difference between A-Level and GCSE?
A level further maths builds on the work learnt for A level maths. The further maths course really does offer
students the chance to experience maths at a different level. At A level students need to understand how
processes are derived, their proof and their application to real life situations.
Subject combinations
The A Level course offers opportunities to study maths in a greater depth and to see how it is linked to other
areas in the curriculum. The statistics element can be particularly helpful with geography, economics, biology
and psychology while the Decision element is helpful for students studying computer science.
A Level Further Mathematics is highly recommended, and for some universities essential, for those wishing to
study mathematics at university.
Future careers
Mathematics is highly regarded by universities and has also been shown to increase long-term earning power
by 7-10%. Mathematics gives openings into many different careers including: Accountancy, Marketing,
Financial Analysis, Banking; Teaching, Engineering, Computer Games Developer, Cryptographer, Medical
Statistician, Actuary, Finance and Banking and Operational Research.
Entry Requirements
At least a grade 8 in GCSE Maths
5 GCSEs at grade A*- C
Additional maths preferred
Extra support and enrichment opportunities
Attending external maths lectures; ‘Maths Inspiration’ enrichment programme; intervention sessions offering
extra help and guidance.