Further Maths

Further Maths A Level

Head Department:
Miss L Jenkins

Why choose the subject?
In depth and scope, there is no limit to the interest that Further Mathematics could offer you. It is designed to broaden the mathematical experience for those where A level Mathematics is not enough! As Mathematics is such a vast subject it is impossible to cover it in one course. Hence Further Mathematics develops some of the concepts met in A level Mathematics and brings it to a higher plain and provides more opportunity to see how Mathematics is applied. Further Mathematics is a very impressive qualification to have on your CV and is not as difficult as you may expect. Many degrees, such as Engineering, Physics or Mathematics are now expecting Mathematics and Further Mathematics qualifications.

Who is eligible?
You need to have achieved a grade 8 or 9 in your Mathematics GCSE. The course is aimed at very able mathematicians who enjoy the subject and are keen to go beyond A level Mathematics. You must study A Level Mathematics alongside to choose this course.

Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)

Specification: Year 2023/2025 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: Edexcel
For info about the AS Level click here

Further Pure Mathematics 1
Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of total A level mark, Written paper

Further Pure Mathematics 2
Complex numbers, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of total A level mark, Written paper

Decision Mathematics 1
Algorithms and graph theory, Algorithms on graphs, Algorithms on graphs II, Critical path analysis, Linear programming 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of total A level mark Written paper

Either Further Statistics 1
Linear regression, Statistical distributions (discrete), Statistical distributions (continuous), Correlation, Hypothesis testing, Chi squared tests

or Further Mechanics 1
Momentum and impulse, Collisions, Centres of mass, Work and energy, Elastic strings and springs

or Decision Mathematics 2
Transportation problems, Allocation (assignment) problems, Flows in networks, Dynamic programming, Game theory, Recurrence relations, Decision analysis 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of total A level mark Written paper

AS Level Qualification

Students can complete a half A Level (or AS) Qualification where students just need to complete Further Pure Mathematics 1 and Decisions Mathematics 1.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics consists of four externally examined papers, each 1.5 hours in length and equally weighted.

Further Pure Mathematics 1
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

Further Pure Mathematics 2
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

Decision Mathematics 1
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

Either Further Statistics 1:
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

or Further Mechanics 1:
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

or Decision Mathematics 2:
1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of total A level mark, Written paper.

Studying maths helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics , build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions.

Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Not only will studying maths help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.

This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, mathes complements several other A-Level courses, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and product design.

Future Careers:
Insurance, finance, marketing, and information technology, data science, engineering.

Students can study further mathematics for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.

Year 2023/2024 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: Edexcel

Further Pure Mathematics 1
Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of total A level mark Written paper