Further Mathematics A Level at Hinchingbrooke School Academy
Why Study Further Maths?
Further Maths is a unique A Level that offers students who have traditionally excelled in Mathematics the chance to look even deeper at key mathematical principles and to earn two distinct A Level qualifications: one in A Level Maths and one in A Level Further Maths. There are several reasons why students should consider studying Further Maths:
- If you enjoy Maths then what is not to like about doing more of it! The Further Maths course offers the greatest insight into what real mathematics is about and develops the subject to provide a fuller understanding of both its applied and abstract nature. The extra maths practice/lessons also really help to consolidate success in the single A Level Maths qualification.
- Students wanting to study Maths or Engineering at a top university will generally have been expected to have studied Further Maths at A Level. Students applying for these courses who have not studied Further Maths are at a disadvantage.
- The content in Further Maths often overlaps with first year degree courses in several related disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics and Economics. Students who have already covered this content in the sixth form have an advantage over those that have not.
- Despite its unique place in post 16 education, Further Maths is still in the top 15 of the most popular A Level subjects taken by students.
What Does The Course Involve?
Students studying A Level Further Maths are taught a bespoke course in a separate class that covers all of thje content for A Level Maths alongside the extra content for Further Maths. Students studying Further Maths need to have excellent algebraic skills and a love for the abstract nature of the subject. As in A Level Mathematics, you will be expected to do a lot of written work, presented so that others can understand clearly what you are trying to do.You will need to be able to think clearly, remember methods you have met and understood and be able to apply them to new situations. You will be expected to be able to talk about your work, with your friends and with your teacher and to be able to apply mathematics to practical situations, sometimes called modelling.
All students studying Further Maths wiill cover the A Level Maths Course, plus a second A Level of which 50% is pure maths (complex numbers, further calculus, hyperbolic functions, matrices and differential equations) and the other 50% is split equally between mechanics and statistics, building on the topics covered in the single A Level. Students are recommended to have an approved graphical calculator.
What Are The Entry Requirements?
You cannot study Further Maths without studying for A Level Maths. The entry requirement is at least an 8 in GCSE mathematics, but what is most important is a love for the subject and strong independent study skills. It is recommended for students with an average GCSE points score of 6.5 or above.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Exam Board: OCR – Assessment is all via exam papers at the end of Year 13.
Leading To A Career In?
Mathematics is key to most scientifc disciplines so it could lead onto higher education courses in science related subjects as well as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science and Economics. With further training, you could go into a job related to Mathematics such as an Accountant, Engineer, Financial Adviser, Business Manager, Software Engineer or Teacher. You could also go straight into a job as the A Level is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.
To find out more about this qualification please contact the Head of Department Mr A Bennett (email@example.com or 01480 375700 ext 5788)
How to apply
You can apply for this course through UCAS Progress. Add this course to your favourites so you can start making an application.