Mathematics - Further Maths
Entry Requirements
Mathematics GCSE Grade 8, and must pass an entrance exam in the first week of the academic year. Students must have A Level Mathematics as one of their other course choices.
About This Course
Our A-Level Further Mathematics course, following the Edexcel specification, is designed for students with a passion for mathematics who wish to extend their knowledge beyond the standard A-Level curriculum. This course is ideal for those aiming for degrees in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, or related fields.
Course Content & Assessment
Year 1:
In the first year, students explore both Pure and Applied Mathematics at an advanced level. Pure Mathematics topics include complex numbers, matrices, further calculus, and proof. Applied Mathematics is divided into 4 topics and two are chosen by the teachers based on the classes’ strengths.
Typically, you will study Decision 1 which involves using algorithms and graph theory to solve practical problems. It is particularly relevant for those interested in computer science, operational research, and optimisation problems in various industries.
The other topic could be Further Pure, Further Statistics or Further Mechanics, covering topics such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, kinematics, and work-energy principles.
Year 2:
The second year builds on these concepts with deeper exploration into Pure Mathematics, including differential equations, polar coordinates, and hyperbolic functions. In Applied Mathematics, students tackle advanced topics such as stochastic processes in statistics and advanced mechanics, including centres of mass and motion in a plane.
Time to practice skills needed for the STEP and MAT exams, needed for some universities, is built into the Scheme of Work.
Paper 1 – Core Pure 1: proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors (1.5 hours, 75 marks)
Paper 2 – Core Pure 2: complex numbers, further algebra and functions, further calculus, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations (1.5 hours, 75 marks)
Paper 3 – Decision 1: (1.5 hours, 75 marks)
Paper 4 – Further Pure 1/Further Mechanics 1/Further Statistics 1 (1.5 hours, 75 marks)
(Paper 4 is determined by the teacher to best suit the students’ strength on a year-by-year basis)
What could this course lead to?
A-Level Further Mathematics is essential for students wishing to study Mathematics at a top-tier university. Many universities will only consider applicants who have studied Further Maths. This applies to undergraduate Physics and Engineering courses too. Due to its challenging nature, often universities will make lower offers to students who have completed Further Maths.
