Since A Level Further Mathematics develops the knowledge and skills covered in the A Level Mathematics course it is therefore a requirement that if you study Further Mathematics you also choose Mathematics. You will study complex numbers, matrices, differential equations, hyperbolic functions and polar coordinates as well as algebra, calculus, trigonometry and vectors to a further extent than covered in the Mathematics course. You will also study further mechanics and decision mathematics in the applied part of the course.
The Further Maths A level course covers a wide range of topics from both pure mathematics and applied mathematics.
Pure maths topics include calculus, trigonometry, algebra and functions, proof, vectors, and numerical methods. These topics are studied to a higher level than in the A level Mathematics course. Further pure topics such as complex numbers, hyperbolic functions, polar coordinates, matrices and differential equations are also studied in Further Maths.
Further Maths students will also study some applied mathematics: mechanics and decision maths. Mechanics topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, momentum and impulse, moments and work, energy and power. Decision mathematics involves the study and application of algorithms including network algorithms, critical path analysis and linear programming.
(Exam board – Edexcel)
(Specification code: 9FM0)
Most lessons involve an introduction to new mathematical skills, investigating concepts, working through example solutions, practising techniques as well as a range of other activities including paired and group tasks. You are expected to spend a good amount of time outside of lessons practising skills, researching new topics, checking and reviewing progress and completing homework tasks. A wide variety of resources are available to help you work independently in your own time including video tutorials, worksheets, practical activities, past papers, revision booklets and workbooks.
The course is linear and the topics are studied over two years with assessment taking place at the end of two years. Assessment is through four written examinations each of 1.5 hours, with two in pure maths and one each in mechanics and decision maths.
You should have at least a grade 8 in Maths GCSE and an average GCSE score of 5.5. You also need to have excellent algebra skills as algebra forms the basis of the course.
In this subject, particular skills and aptitudes will be required, many of which will be demonstrated by students’ GCSE profiles.
Students will also need to meet the general College entry requirements. Entry requirements are subjects to change.
Further Mathematics is an ideal choice if you wish to follow a course in higher education involving a large amount of Mathematics as students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to university far more straightforward.
A growing number of competitive university courses in mathematics and engineering specify Further Mathematics as an entry requirement. For some degree courses, students who have taken Further Mathematics may be made a reduced A level offer compared to those students who are just taking Mathematics.
Each year, a number of Further Mathematicians go on to study mathematics, engineering, physics and other scientific subjects at university. Almost all of our A level students gain University places or full time employment at the end of their course at QE.
Many students choosing Further Mathematics typically study it alongside other subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Psychology, Biology, Geography, Economics and Business Studies but each year there are students on the course from almost all of the other subject areas.