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OLIVIA, from Cransley - studying Geography, English Language, Photography, Biology
"I didn’t do Geography at GCSE but found the teachers to be really helpful and find the course interesting as it refers to what is happening in the world now!"
Further Mathematics
If you get an A or A* in GCSE Mathematics, really enjoy the subject and want to study either Mathematics or a Mathematics related degree at University then this is the course for you.
You’ll study twice as many units as the single Mathematics students and therefore get two A levels: one in Mathematics and one in Further Mathematics.
You also have the opportunity to study a mixture of applied units. You will be studying Mathematics with other like-minded students so you will be challenged!
Further Mathematics is one of the most highly respected subjects offered at A- level. It is recognised by the top Universities for its challenging content and is therefore an excellent qualification to obtain. It is particularly popular with students going on to study a course which demands a high level of mathematics, such as Computing, Technology, Engineering and the Sciences as well as Mathematics. Students with Further Mathematics qualifications are strongly welcomed on any mathematics related course in Higher Education and often receive preferential offers. Some HE courses specify Further Mathematics explicitly. But most important is an enjoyment and a sense of pride in tackling hard mathematical problems.
What are the entry requirements?
You will be expected to have a least a Grade A in your GCSE Mathematics and you must be studying the AS Mathematics course. Due to the large amount of mathematical content and the double time allocation involved in taking the two mathematics, you must really enjoy and thrive on a challenge.
What will I study and how will it be assessed?
We follow the OCR specification.
We study the MEI Structured Further Mathematics Scheme (OCR). This scheme will extend the range of mathematical concepts that you meet at AS and A2 Mathematics.
The AS course
You will study the Mathematics AS course and at the same time gain additional modules. At the end of the lower sixth you will have… Pure mathematics modules of Core 1, Core 2 and Further Pure 1
Applied mathematics modules of Mechanics 1, Statistics 1, Statistics 2
Most of the above modules are described in the Mathematics section of this prospectus.
The Further Pure 1 module includes matrices, complex numbers, further algebra and graphical techniques.
The A2 course
If you wish to continue with Advanced Further Mathematics in the Upper Sixth you will again study six modules, Core 3, Core 4, Further Pure 2, Mechanics 2, Differential Equations and Decision. The Core 3 and Differential Equations modules incorporates a piece of Coursework (worth 20% of the marks for each module)
The examination part of Core 3, Core 4 and Differential Equations will be sat in January.
The remaining three modules, Decision 1, Further Pure 2, and Mechanics 2 will be examined in June.
Does Further Mathematics link particularly well with other subjects?
AS Level Further Mathematics will support your Mathematics at AS Level. Further Mathematics combines well with most other subjects, particularly the Sciences, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, IT and Computing. It is also be possible to gain an A Level in Mathematics and an AS Level in Further Mathematics. This would require you studying nine modules.
Where might it lead me?
AS or A Level Further Mathematics fits well with almost any combination of subjects and offers wide progression opportunities to university or careers. If you are considering a degree in mathematics, physics, engineering or computing at a highly competitive university you are strongly advised to study further mathematics to at least AS-level.
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