High School Sixth Form

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Further MathematicsExamination Board: AQA Website address: www.aqa.org.uk

AS Level Units % of AS Level % of A Level A2 Level Units % of A Level

Unit 1 Further Pure 1 33.3% 16.7% Unit 4 Further Pure 2 16.7%

Unit 2 Statistics 1 33.3% 16.7% Unit 5 Mechanics 2 16.7%

Unit 3 Statistics 2 33.3% 16.7% Unit 6 Mechanics 3 16.7%

Studying the SubjectThe Further Mathematics course, like the Mathematics course, is divided into two separate areas: Pure (or Core) and Applied.Further Pure is learnt alongside Pure and includes: series, complex numbers, numerical solution of equations, co-ordinate systems, matrix algebra and proof. Statistics and mechanics are the elements applying the core in context. A Further Mathematics student will study Mechanics 1 as part of their A Level Mathematics.Statistics 1 includes data handling, modelling and probability. Initially, the course reviews GCSE elements on data, averages and spread, as well as probability, but develops to look in detail at regression, correlation and the Normal distribution.Statistics 2 builds on the first course by linking the continuous Normal distribution with two new discrete distributions: Binomial and Poisson. It also looks at probability distributions of continuous variables and hypothesis testing. Mechanics 2 and 3 in A2 build on the AS course through further work on: kinematics; centres of mass; work and energy; collisions; elasticity of

strings and springs, further dynamics; motion in a circle and statics of rigid bodies.

What Next?Whilst not essential for all Mathematics degrees, the top universities (including Oxford and Cambridge) strongly recommend the study of Further Mathematics. Studying Further Mathematics is definitely a significant advantage when embarking on a Mathematics degree as the course covers a lot of the first year of the degree course. Further Mathematics is also a particular advantage for students studying science and engineering at university. However, it is also a very interesting and exciting course in its own right and helps to develop skills that will enable students to think logically, analyse situations efficiently and make deductions from assumptions.In a nutshell ... A level Further Mathematics is fun, challenging and extremely valuable.Subject Specific RequirementsStudents should have achieved Grade A* in GCSE Mathematics. GCSE Further Mathematics, or equivalent, is an advantage but is not essential.

Co-curricular activities:We invite you to take part in the UK Senior Mathematics Challenge.If you are interested in this subject you can find out more by:Talking to your current mathematics teacher or to Mrs Steele or by going to www.m4ths.comWe recommend that you expand your subject knowledge by delving into books such as Fermat’s Last Theorem or The Codebook by Simon Singh or perhaps E, the story of a number. by Eli Maor.If you are considering studying Mathematics, or a related subject, at university we advise looking at the STEP questions through the Further Maths Support Programme.