Further Mathematics


Exam Board

Additional Entry Requirements

Grade 8 in GCSE mathematics and grade 5 in English language.
 
Further Maths can only be taken as part of a 4 A level programme.
 
August Enrolment: Students who achieve GCSE Maths, grade 9 in August, will be permitted to study Further Maths as part of a 3 A level programme.

Course Content

Why further mathematics?
 
This is a challenging qualification which both extends and deepens your knowledge and understanding beyond standard A level mathematics. It identifies you as having excellent mathematical, problem solving and analytical skills.
 
You will develop the ability to work in a team, communicate effectively and show initiative. If you are planning to take a degree such as engineering, sciences, computing, finance/economics or especially maths itself, you will benefit enormously from taking this course, as it introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers that are vital in many STEM degrees. Indeed, some prestigious university courses require further maths.
 
We provide opportunities to hear from engaging speakers with mathematical backgrounds, both on site and at external lectures, in addition to trips to mathematical shows and events. We have an experienced team of enthusiastic teachers, who provide excellent support and inspiration to students.
 
Course content
 
You’ll develop and extend your understanding, apply skills learnt in a range of situations, and encounter new concepts, including topics such as matrices, complex numbers, differential equations and hyperbolic functions. In addition to the pure mathematics half of the course, there are options involving more mechanics (where you will study areas including circular motion, variable forces, energy and kinematics) or more statistics (where you will meet and interact with more advanced probability scenarios, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing), or decision mathematics (algorithms, linear programming and graph theory) or further pure.
 
 
Mark scheme
 
Exam - 1 hour 30 mins - 25%
75 marks
 
Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1
 
Exam - 1 hour 30 mins - 25%
75 marks
 
Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2
 
Exam - 1 hour 30 mins - 25%
75 marks
 
Paper 3: Option 1
Further Pure Mathematics 1, Further Statistics 1, Further Mechanics 1 or Decision Mathematics 1
 
Exam - 1 hour 30 mins - 25%
75 marks
 
Paper 4: Option 2
Further Pure Mathematics 2, Further Statistics 2, Further Mechanics 2 or Decision Mathematics 2
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the headings below.

Why should I study further maths?

Further maths is a second A level in maths and is advised and even necessary for certain degrees at certain universities. If you want to do a maths degree you should do Further Maths. But also if you wanted to study science, economics, engineering or computing at Cambridge, for example, you should do further maths.

How many hours a week do we do maths?

You have 5 hours in lesson, but you are expected to do 5 hours a week outside of lesson. You are given lots of practice and you have to do independent work worth at least 5 hours a week at least to keep on track. If you are studying further maths, that is a second A level so the time doubles.

Which exam board do you use?

We teach Edexcel for both maths and further maths. Further maths students generally study further statistics and mechanics, but some do decision maths (algorithms and networks).

Is there any extra help outside of lessons?

Yes, we run maths tutorials for drop-in extra help; we also have a mentoring programme for those who need more regular 1-1 support

Do I need to buy a new calculator?

Yes, your GCSE scientific calculator will not be adequate as it lacks certain functions that the exam requires. We recommend you get the Casio FX-991CW Classwiz as this will be what most students have. We have a calculator emulator that we can display on our screens to guide you through how to use it (and it will look like the Casio FX-991CW Classwiz).

Do I need a graphical calculator?

Graphical calculators can be expensive. Some students do like to have them, but the course does not require them, even further maths. There are no questions you can do on the graphical calculator that you can’t do on the normal calculator and only very occasionally is it more useful (some graph sketching). If you do want to get one, maybe look at the Casio fx-CG50.

What support is available for students who wish to take maths (or a related subject) at university?

In lower sixth there are weekly sessions for students who are interested in maths beyond sixth form where we teach how to approach entrance exam style questions, particularly focusing on the Oxbridge STEP/MAT examinations. We continue this support into upper sixth, as well as offering rigorous interview practice for our students.

How will we be assessed in our first year if there is no AS level?

There will be a diagnostic test usually in the fourth week of your first term. This assesses everything taught up to that point. There is an end of year assessment which strongly influences your UCAS prediction. There are also two other big assessments throughout year 1.

What kind of careers can you do with maths?

Maths is useful for a range of careers including in science, engineering, computing, finance and economics. But mathematicians are often sought after in other careers too because they are good at problem-solving and are systematic and logical. Lots of government ministers, headteachers, and all sorts of people have maths degrees.

Should I do maths if I want to go to medical school?

You do not need maths: biology and chemistry are the essential choices. You can choose maths as your third but only if you are good at it and enjoy it.
 
DAVID
St Thomas More Catholic School
 
"What I enjoy about further maths is the application of concepts, that are seemingly useless, to solve realistic problems. I chose to study it as I had always been interested in studying maths at a higher level and it works perfectly into a future career in computer science.
 
Word of mouth was definitely a big factor for me in coming to Woodhouse. Hearing about its success, having a sister that had been here before and having a lot of friends that were set on coming here convinced me it was an environment where I could succeed.
 
I like the freedom. It is a surprisingly easy transition from school to being here and the independence is a good precursor to university - or just further life."
 
 
 
SUMAYA
The Archer Academy
 
"I enjoy having the freedom to think of my own ideas when tackling challenges and being able to come up with multiple strategies to reach the same answer. In addition, I enjoy participating in class discussions over difficult problems, and comparing different problem-solving techniques.
 
I am interested in pursuing a career within technology or academia and further maths helps me keep my options open, while creating a solid foundation for STEM related careers.
 
I choose Woodhouse because it is a high achieving college with lots of students studying many different subjects with different combinations. I like that it has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with like-minded high achievers to discuss schoolwork with and to motivate each other."
 
 
 
DESANGE
St Thomas More Catholic School
 
"I really enjoy doing complex questions, like complex numbers, that make me struggle. As a student who wants to study computer science - maths and further maths are crucial.
 
I chose Woodhouse because of the freedom it provides and all the great teachers here. I love the environment and how everyone is really friendly." 


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