A Level Further Maths

Do you have a strong interest in pursuing Mathematical subjects beyond sixth form?

Further Maths is a very demanding course, and requires a strong GCSE profile, particularly in Maths and Science subjects. It is a course for those with a strong interest in pursuing Maths, Physics, Engineering or Economics beyond sixth form. A Level Further Maths can only be studied by students who are also studying A Level Maths.

About the Course

Further Maths is for those with a significant interest in pursuing Maths beyond sixth form. Students studying Further Maths must also study Maths and two other subjects. You will cover the Maths course in one class, and Further Maths in a separate class, meaning you will have the equivalent of two subjects’ worth of teaching time. It can be extremely rewarding for you if you love studying Maths and are stimulated by the faster pace and greater depth.

Further Mathematics builds on the Pure Maths covered in A level Maths, whilst also branching out into new areas such as Matrices and Complex Numbers. You will also study Discrete Maths, as well as the option of Further Mechanics or Further Statistics.

How can you know whether you'll be suited to A level Further Maths?

You need to be exceptionally confident and skilled at algebraic manipulation and problem-solving.

You may be surprised to hear that this is by no means just about your GCSE grade. Some students achieve a high grade in GCSE Maths by being strong in topics such as arithmetic and geometry, yet are weaker at algebra. Please bear this in mind when considering whether Further Maths is for you.

What opportunities are unique to this course?

Lunchtime enrichment sessions are available for you where you can work with other students to solve complex and interesting maths problems. If you wish to study Maths at university, you will be able to attend preparation classes for admissions tests and have the option of having practice interviews.

What you'll learn

Two thirds of the course is Pure Mathematics and includes topics such as: Mathematical argument, language and proof, Mathematical problem solving, Mathematical modelling, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra, calculus, vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations and numerical methods There are also Applied Mathematics modules in Mechanics and Statistics.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through classroom-based teaching. There will also be opportunities to take part in enrichment activities such as extension workshops, competitions and trips.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course.

There will be 3 exam papers each of 2 hours duration. Exams will comprise short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems.

Papers 1 and 2: May assess content from the following sections:

Proof

Complex numbers

Matrices

Further Algebra and Functions

Further Calculus

Further Vectors

Polar coordinates

Hyperbolic functions

Differential equations

Trigonometry

Numerical Methods

Paper 3:

One question paper answer booklet on Statistics and one question paper answer booklet on Mechanics.

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

Further Maths is essential for a small minority of university courses, and is useful for courses and careers in economics, computing, physics and engineering.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/further-maths