Further Mathematics A Level

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE plus English Language at grade 4 or above. You must also have a grade 6 in Maths. You must take A Level Maths with Further Maths.

You will study three components; pure maths, mechanics and statistics.

Year One

Pure Mathematics
Topics include complex numbers, matrices, vectors, planes and sequences.

Mechanics
Topics include forces in equilibrium (including moments), friction, projectiles and Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Statistics
Topics include probability distributions such as poisson, geometric and the normal distribution.

Year Two

All students study Pure Maths, with students opting for one major option in Applied Maths.

Option 1 Major in Mechanics, minor in Statistics

Option 2 Major in Statistics, minor in Mechanics

In the exam the major option carries twice the weight of the minor option.

Pure Mathematics
The Pure Maths part of the course develops the work of the first year and deals with topics that are often found on the first year of degree courses.
 

Mechanics
This gives students an opportunity to explore areas of particular interest at a much higher level. For instance, those taking the Major Mechanics option will study oscillations, circular motion and the application of differential equations to mechanics problems, making it ideal for students wanting to progress to a Physics or Engineering degree.

Statistics
The Major Statistics option includes bivariate data, chi squared tests, confidence intervals and simulation.

University Entrance Exams

There will be informal support for students sitting university entrance exams such as STEP, AEA, TMUA or Oxford entrance papers.

Maths Challenge

Every year we encourage our maths students to test their maths in the National Maths Challenge.

You will typically be in College four days per week, with lesson style varying according to subject. In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.

Throughout the course you will receive regular feedback on the progress you make.

There are assessments each half term to allow you know what you do well, understand the areas you need to work on and to practise for the external examinations.

Final external assessment is by examinations which take place each year in May and June. 

The Maths and Further Maths courses are taught separately in the first year and combined in the second year.

Maths and Further Maths combine well with all other A Levels. In addition to Further Maths, students study everything from Art to Science.

For students wishing to progress onto maths, physics and engineering related courses at university, Further Maths is highly recommended.
 

An A Level in Maths is helpful for many careers, especially in the areas of science, financial services, banking, accountancy and actuarial work. It is also a desirable qualification for many degrees and in some cases a necessary one, such as Physics. Further maths study will provide you with a deeper understanding of maths and give you a head start on courses requiring maths at university. Past students have been inspired to go on to read maths in its own right at top universities.