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Mathematics - Further

Course Title:   AS/A2 FURTHER MATHEMATICS (1 YEAR).

Examination Board: Edexcel

What special qualifications do I need?

You will already have applied to study mathematics at AS or A-Level.

You need a strong grade A* at GCSE and a recommendation from your Year 11 teacher.

A love of mathematics - especially algebra - is absolutely essential! You also need to be willing and able to give over significant amounts of your free time. The main face-to-face study sessions take place for several hours each Thursday after school and are taught by a specialist teacher from the national Further Maths Network. There may also be some modules taught online.

What will I study and learn?

The course could really be called ‘Wider Mathematics’, as what is offered will result in a broadening of your mathematical skills and experience. 

AS:

You will study the module Further Pure 1 and 2 other modules. 

Further Pure 1

  • Complex numbers
  • Numerical methods
  • Parabolas and hyperbolas
  • Matrices
  • Series
  • Proof

The other 2 modules could be Mechanics, Statistics or Decision Maths modules, depending on your aptitude, interest and which modules you are studying in your Maths AS or A-Level. The plan is to tailor the modules to compliment your AS or A2 maths choices and suit your own career plans.

A2:

You will study 3 more modules in addition to the 3 studied in your AS Further Maths.

You will study either Further Pure 2 or Further Pure 3 plus 2 other modules.

Again, there is a lot of flexibility about these 2 modules; you will be able to choose from modules in Mechanics, Statistics, and Decision Maths or study an extra Further Pure module.

For more information about Further Maths, please visit www.fmnetwork.org.uk

How will I be assessed?
There are three exams in June of Year 12.
These are FP1, and 2 applied modules (decided individually as appropriate).
Each exam is 1½ hours long.
Then a further three exams in Year 13.
These are FP2 and two further applied modules or additional further pure modules.
Each exam is 1½ hours long.
 
How will it help me?
In addition to the benefits listed for the Core and Mechanics / Core and Statistics, studying Further Mathematics will broaden your mathematical experience and prepare you for the most demanding university entry requirements. Students who achieve success in Further Mathematics are recognised to have a powerful skill set and are likely to be in high demand with universities and employers.
 
Students of this calibre may also want to study STEP or AEA qualification to support applications to the most prestigious universities. 

Who do I see for more information?

Mrs Calder (Manager – Gloucestershire Further Maths Centre) or Mr McAteer (Head of Mathematics)

 

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