A Level Further Mathematics
What is it about at sixth form level?
Further Maths is another complete A level, above and beyond Maths A level. The combination of Maths and Further Maths is called “Double Maths”, and for many university courses Double Maths is either compulsory or strongly preferred. Further Maths at A level extends the Algebra and Calculus studied in Maths A level. In Algebra we study complex numbers (which involve i, the square root of -1), hyperbolic functions (which have many similarities to trigonometrical functions yet are fundamentally different) and matrices. In Calculus we greatly extend the range of functions we can integrate by using hyperbolic and trigonometrical and inverse hyperbolic and inverse trigonometrical substitutions. The level of abstraction here is indicative of the progression towards study at undergraduate level, whether as part of a Maths degree or as part of a degree in one of the many subjects that require the study of Maths as part of a university course.
Autumn, Spring and Summer terms
This course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in the Maths A level. Students take four units: two compulsory units of Core Pure Mathematics and two optional units which are chosen by the class. The options are Further Pure Maths, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics and Decision Maths. While the first three options will be familiar to students, Decision Maths might not be. Decision Maths is a relatively new area of Maths involving the use of algorithms to improve decision making. The advent of computers capable of running algorithms at lightning speed has led to the surge of interest in Decision Maths.
Why study it and what skills does it develop?
Further Maths A level is a second A level in Maths and is a subject in its own right. The aim is to build upon the skills developed in Maths A level and to increase both the depth and the breadth of subject knowledge. Further Maths an academically rigorous and demanding subject suited to students who are considering university courses in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths, Physics and other highly numerate disciplines or simply for those who really enjoy Maths!
What prior knowledge and skills are required?
Students should have, or be on target for, at least a grade A in Maths A level before considering A level Further Maths.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed entirely by four written examinations: two Core Pure Maths papers and one paper on each of the two optional units. All papers are equally weighted and are 1 hour 30 minutes long.
Reading
Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Core Pure Mathematics Book 1/AS Textbook + e-book
Published by Pearson, ISBN 9781292183336
Edexcel AS and A level Further Mathematics Further Pure Mathematics Book 2 Textbook + e-book
Published by Pearson, ISBN 9781292183343
Exam Board and Specification Codes
Pearson-Edexcel 9FM0
Dave Costin
Head of Department
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