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

Studying Maths and Further Maths means you will take two A levels in Maths, so you need to appreciate the additional lesson time and independent work that Further Maths will bring.

Further Maths will build upon some of the content of A level Maths such as calculus and proof, and you will also study brand new topics such as matrices and polar coordinates. Two-thirds of the content is Pure Mathematics, with one-sixth Discrete Mathematics, and one-sixth either Mechanics or Statistics (you will choose which option).

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.

Opportunities unique to this course

You will have the opportunity to attend lunchtime Enrichment sessions 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 as well as the option of having practice interviews.

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 Discrete Mathematics and either Mechanics or Statistics. You'll learn through classroom-based teaching.

Papers 1 & 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 1: Two-hour written exam, Pure Mathematics. Counts for 33.3% of the final grade.

Paper 2: Two-hour written exam, Pure Mathematics. Counts for 33.3% of the final grade.

Paper 3: Two-hour written exam, ​Discrete and either Mechanics or Statistics. Counts for 33.3% of the final grade.

You need to be qualified by both the 1) relevant admissions score AND 2) for the subjects you are applying for:

1) Admissions scores

The indicative Four A level Programme adjusted admissions score for ​Further Maths is 78*

Calculate your admissions score at www.hillsroad.ac.uk/calculator

Read more about our admissions scores by visiting www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply

2) Subjects and grades required

GCSE grade 8 in Mathematics and 8 in all Sciences. Applicants must have studied a minimum of two Sciences.

Before making your application, visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply and give yourself the best chance of achieving our entry criteria.

*The admissions scores are an indicative guide to help applicants understand how places have previously been allocated, they should not be taken as a definitive prediction of equivalent scores for entry to the College in 2022, which will depend on application patterns for that year. Please submit your application to the College even if your score is a few points below the relevant admissions score.

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