This course is for students who have enjoyed studying mathematics at GCSE, and have excellent algebra and problem solving skills. Students intending to study this course must have achieved at least Grade 7 at GCSE Maths.
Note that the Further Mathematics course is taken in parallel with A level Mathematics and counts as two A level choices therefore if you are considering taking this course Mathematics should be one of your strongest subjects at GCSE.
Year 1
Further Pure Maths, Further Mechanics and Decision Maths
Year 2
Further Pure Maths, Further Mechanics and Decision Maths
Pure topics include: algebra, calculus, geometry, matrices, complex numbers, trigonometry, numerical methods and proof.
Mechanics topics include: motion, collisions, forces, vectors, kinematics, dynamics and statics.
Decision Mathematics topics include: linear programming, sorting algorithms, route analysis and critical path analysis.
Meet the Mathematics teachers and students
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above or the equivalent including GCSE English plus GCSE Mathematics at grade 7 or above.
Note you must take A-level Mathematics in conjunction with this course, and they will count as two of your A-level choices.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is taught by well-qualified and experienced staff. Students will employ the mathematical packages Autograph, GeoGebra and Excel (amongst others) to help with investigations and data handling projects. Access to two Virtual Learning Environments, Moodle and Integral, is provided by the College to support students. Graphical calculators are also used as a teaching tool. Use of these resources will enable students to develop as independent and confident learners. Students are expected to do a substantial amount of revision and practice outside the classroom. Formal and informal support is available for all students.
Methods of Assessment
The A-level course is assessed by four, ninety minute written examinations taken in summer of the second year. Two of these papers are on Pure Mathematics, one is on Mechanics and one on Decision Mathematics. There is no assessed coursework element in this course.
Resources
Students may wish to purchase textbooks for the course but this is not a requirement. Details of the textbooks will be available once the course has begun. The College library is well stocked with Mathematics books, and students are encouraged to use IT resources as appropriate. Students will need a graphical calculator for this course; this can be purchased by the student or hired from the mathematics department. Students are also encouraged to provide their own scientific calculators.
Enrichment
We offer support for students taking the individual and team Senior Maths Challenges and all students are encouraged to participate in these competitions.
Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial universities (amongst others) require an entrance exam for students wanting to study Maths. The MAT and TMUA exams are sat in November of the second year and the STEP exam is sat in June of the second year. We will do some preliminary work with students towards the end of the first year with assignments to be completed over the summer.
Progression
Students have gone on to university to study Mathematics, Computing, Sciences, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Law, Medicine and Education. Many students studying Maths have gone on to top Russell Group universities.
Charges
You will be expected to have a graphical calculator which can be hired from the mathematics department for £15 per year or purchased separately for an approximate cost of £55-60. You are also encouraged to have a scientific calculator. You may wish to purchase a textbook for the course but this is not a requirement.