Further Mathematics

Examination Board: Edexcel

Further Mathematics AS and A Level may be taken in addition to Mathematics A Level. Further Mathematics is an extension of the regular A Level course and will provide you with a challenge and the opportunity to explore new and more sophisticated  mathematical concepts.

 

For the AS Level you will study:

• Further pure mathematics (complex numbers, matrices, further algebra, further functions plus other topics specified by the examination board).
• Applied mathematics (optional content to be specified by the examination board: statistics, mechanics or decision  mathematics).

For the A Level you will study

All of the AS Level topics in greater detail plus some additional topics (in
italics below):

• Further pure mathematics (complex numbers, matrices, further algebra, further functions, proof, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations).
• Applied mathematics (optional content to be specified by the examination board: statistics, mechanics or decision  mathematics).

How is the course assessed?

This course is assessed by examination only. You will take a separate AS examination at the end of Year 12 but your result will not count towards your final A Level award. Final A Level examinations take place at the end of Year 13 when you will be  assessed on topics covered in both years.

What skills will I need and develop in this course?

You will need to be very confident in all the algebraic processing skills and trigonometry you have been taught at GCSE. The ability to persevere with challenging problems and work independently is essential.

Subject combination advice

Further Mathematics is a good subject to study if you are considering studying Mathematics or a Mathematics-related degree at university.

What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?

If you are planning to take a Mathematics-rich degree such as Mathematics itself, engineering, sciences, computing,  finance/economics, you will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS Level.

If you are not planning to study for a Mathematics-rich degree but are keen on Mathematics, you will find Further  Mathematics a very enjoyable course; having a Further Mathematics qualification identifies students as having excellent  analytical skills, whatever area they plan to study or work within.

What are the formal entry requirements for this course?

GCSE Mathematics Grade 8 is a minimum. 

What activities enrich this subject?

The UK Senior Mathematical Challenge and the Team Challenge organised by United Kingdom Mathematical Trust provide opportunities to extend your thinking skills beyond the confines of the curriculum. You will have the opportunity to become a Mathematics Prefect, assisting the teachers in the department in providing support and enrichment to younger pupils at
the school.