Mathematics and further mathematics

Mathematics continues to be the most popular subject choice at A level. As technology continues to advance, so too does maths, increasing its essential role in everyday and corporate life. New mathematical theories are being discovered and developed every day enabling inventions and scientific discoveries to flourish.

By choosing to study A level maths you will have the opportunity to forge a career at the forefront of technological advancement. Maths gives us the power to build anything from a website to a huge skyscraper. Studying maths gives you a varied skillset that will be essential for a variety of tasks including: problem-solving, analytical skills, research skills and logic; all of which are highly desirable for a variety of employers and for a myriad of higher education courses.

Qualification	A level mathematics
Awarding body	Edexcel
Year 12	Mathematics is split into three main areas; pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics. Pure mathematics – Students develop advanced algebraic skills, including manipulation, solving equations, graphs, proof and binomial expansions. They also study coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors and logarithms. Mechanics – Topics covered include mechanical modelling, Newton’s laws of motion, friction and how particles move and interact. Statistics – Students work on probability theory and are introduced to advanced statistical techniques.
Year 13	Students build upon and extend their learning from Year 12 in all areas of pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics.
Assessment	Students are assessed by three examinations at the end of Year 13: Pure mathematics - two 2 hour examinations (67%) Applied mathematics - statistics and mechanics - one 2 hour examination (33%)

Why study mathematics?

Mathematics is one of the most highly respected and demanding A level courses and provides the foundation for the study of any scientific subject as well as a challenge in logical thinking and problem solving. The study of mathematics is essential for careers such as an actuary, data analyst, chartered accountant and many more.

I decided to take maths and further maths at A level because I greatly enjoyed the subject at GCSE. The courses are well structured and interesting and the teaching is highly engaging.

Qualification	A level further mathematics
Awarding body	Edexcel
Entry requirements	Grade 7 or above in GCSE maths. Students must also be studying A level maths.
Course content	Further mathematics is split into four main areas. Further pure mathematics - topics covered include; complex numbers, numerical maths, differential equations, proof and hyperbolic functions. Decision maths - algorithms, graph theory, linear programming and critical path analysis. Further mechanics - further study of kinematics, mass, statics, elastics and dynamics. Further statistics - further probability distributions, sampling and regression.
Assessment	Students are assessed by four examinations at the end of Year 13. Due to the nature of the course, there is flexibility in the modules available and there is no fixed route through the course. Modules are generally negotiated with students as to which are best suit their needs and interests. Core pure mathematics - two 1 hour 30 minutes examinations which equal to 50% of the final grade. The two papers are compulsory. Further mathematics options - two 1 hour 30 minutes examinations which equal to 50% of the final grade. Options available: further pure mathematics, decision mathematics, further mechanics and further statistics.

Why study further mathematics?

Further mathematics is a course designed to run in tandem with the A level mathematics course, for those with a passion for the subject and to challenge and advance the most gifted students. The subject is very highly regarded and excellent preparation for a science or maths related degrees at one of the country’s top universities.

It’s fun to learn how equations can be used to calculate things in everyday life.