Delete this slidePresentation for parents / carers

These slides form an approximately 20-30 minute presentation for parents/carers about the importance of studying Maths and Further Maths at A level.

They can be adapted and used for a presentation to students and/or their parents/carers.

Please add or remove slides to suit your talk/event

Why study Mathematics?

A guide for Students, Parents and Carers

What does A level Mathematics involve? What is Further Mathematics? Why should my daughter/son study A level

Mathematics? What are the career opportunities with A level

Mathematics? Is A level Mathematics needed for entry to

university degree courses?

Important questions

What is covered in A level Mathematics?

Year 12 Year 13

AS level Maths Core 1 Core 2 Applied

Unit 1

A level Maths Core 1 Core 2 Applied

Unit 1 Core 3 Core 4 Applied Unit 2

A level Mathematics is a mix of pure (core) mathematics (4 units), and applications of mathematics (2 units).

The Core units cover topics such as algebra, graphs, calculus and trigonometry.

Students study 2 applied units chosen from Decision Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics.

What is Decision Mathematics?

Decision Mathematics - finding efficient solutions to real life problems

e.g. what would be the most

efficient route for delivering post

around a network of streets?

This topic uses algorithms which

are vital in computer science.(Image taken from http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/FSMA%20Chinese%20postman%20problems%20student.pdf)

What is Mechanics?

Mechanics – modelling the physics of the world around us

e.g. at what angle should a cricketer

aim to hit the ball in order to

maximise the distance the ball

will travel?

Students planning careers in physics

or engineering would find mechanics

particularly useful.

What is Statistics?

Statistics – collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events.

e.g. actuaries study statistical information to calculate the risk of a driver of a certain age having a car accident. This information would be used by insurers in establishing the cost of the annual premiums.

What is Further Mathematics? Further Mathematics is an additional AS or A level

qualification taken alongside A level Mathematics. It is designed to stretch and challenge able

mathematicians introducing new techniques and concepts such as complex numbers and matrices.

It is excellent preparation for degree courses in Mathematics and other mathematical subjects.

A level Further Maths is an additional 6 units of mathematics, at least 2 units of pure mathematics and up to 4 applied units.

Mathematics and Further Mathematics-example plan of a student taking full A levels in both subjects

AS levelMaths Core 1 Core 2 Applied

Unit 1

A level Maths Core 1 Core 2 Applied

Unit 1 Core 3 Core 4 Applied Unit 2

AS level Further Maths

Further Pure 1

Applied Unit 3

Applied Unit 4

A level Further Maths

Further Pure 1

Applied Unit 3

Applied Unit 4

Further Pure 2

Applied Unit 5

Further Pure 3 orApplied Unit 6

Applied Units cover statistics, mechanics or decision mathematics

Scores in AS Units are counted again as part of the A-level qualification.

Why study Mathematics A levels?Studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics will:provide a stimulating and challenging course develop key employability skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, communication and resilience;increase knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and their applicationssupport the study of other A level subjectsprovide excellent preparation for a wide range of university courseslead to a versatile qualification that is well-respected by employers and higher education

Why study AS/A level Maths? The number of students taking mathematics is increasing each

year

AS/A level Further Maths entries

Entries for A level subjects 2014

Mathematics is now the most

popular A level subject in the UK

What are the career opportunities?

“…what was once the domain of the exceptionally gifted has become the currency of how we live. Maths is the universal language of the modern world - and across every career and every discipline, its importance will only grow.

That is why I want to see more girls taking maths…”

Elizabeth Truss, previous Education Minister

What are the career opportunities?

Maths is the only A level proven to increase

earnings in later life -

by an average of 10%.

(Source www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elizabeth-truss-on-support-for-maths-and-science-teaching)

What are the career opportunities?

Common Misconceptions

You only do a maths degree to become a maths teacher. Further Maths is an A level just for students who want to

become engineers or physicists. Unless you plan to do a STEM degree, you don’t need

maths at A level. Most careers that require maths A level are male-

dominated.

Mathematics with other A levels

A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics can be taken with any combination of A Levels.

Mathematics particularly reinforces the work done in

Physics and ChemistryBiology, Geography, PsychologyBusiness Studies and EconomicsPhysical Education

There is a huge shortage of people with STEM skills needed to enter the workforce.

There are many new applications of mathematics in technology:

•Games Design•Internet Security•Programming•Communications

© Ironclad Games Corporation Vancouver, BC.

What are the career opportunities?

On-going applications in engineering, such as Aircraft Modelling Fluid Flows Acoustic Engineering Electronics Civil Engineering.

…and new scientific processes such as modelling populations and Diseases Quantum Physics,

Astronomy,Forensics andDNA sequencing.

What are the career opportunities?

Financial systems and online purchasing systems are also underpinned by mathematics, relying heavily on online security and encryption.

GCHQ

What are the career opportunities?

GCHQ has the largest group of mathematicians working anywhere in the country!

Other areas include

What are the career opportunities?

FinanceActuarial Work, Accountancy,

Banking, Financial Modelling

StatisticsMedical Statistics, Market

Research, Government Policy Advice

BusinessLogistics, Traffic Planning, Project

Management, Consultancy

Law

Teaching/Lecturing

MedicineDentistry, Pharmacy,

Doctors, Nursing

Is A level Further Mathematics just for those who want to be physicists or engineers? No, AS Further Mathematics is no

more difficult than A level Mathematics

Further Mathematics introduces some fascinating new topics.

The “extra” maths has been shown to boost students’ A level Mathematics grades.

Is A level Mathematics needed for entry to university degree courses? It is important to have strong maths skills for progression

to many degree courses at university A level Mathematics is also essential or desirable for a

wide range of degree courses including economics, computing, social sciences and business.

Any student applying to study a degree in a STEM subject should also consider taking Further Mathematics to at least AS level alongside A level Mathematics

University entry requirementsMathematics at Lancaster UniversityLancaster University has always encouraged those considering a degree in mathematics, computing, engineering or physics to study A Level Further Mathematics. The Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Lancaster now formally recognises the value of Further Mathematics when making degree course offers.

For entry to degrees in: Mathematics; Mathematics with Statistics; Statistics; or Financial Mathematics; we normally ask applicants taking GCE A Levels to achieve:

AAB at A Level, including Mathematics and Further Mathematics, for those taking A Level Further Mathematics; or

AAA at A Level, including Mathematics, for those not taking A Level Further Mathematics.

University entry requirementsPhysics at University of LeicesterA-levelsWe ask for three A-levels, including Physics and Mathematics. MPhys (AAB), BSc (ABB) with an A in either Physics or Mathematics.

Further Maths and Extended Project QualificationsFurther Maths and EPQ’s are not a formal requirement for entry onto our course. However, students with a Further Maths A-level or a relevant EPQ often find the transition to University study easier. If you have the opportunity we would certainly encourage you to take Further Maths or an EPQ.

University entry requirementsEconomics at Cardiff UniversityTypical offer = AABOne of the A-levels must be in Mathematics at grade B or above

Chemistry at Southampton UniversityA Levels:Our typical offers for students who are studying 3 A-levels are:ABB for students taking Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics AAB for students taking Chemistry with at least one other science subject or Mathematics AAA for students taking Chemistry with no other science subject or Mathematics

University entry requirements

Look at the entry requirements on the individual university’s website for the degree subjects that your son/daughter might be interested in.

In some cases a qualification in Further Mathematics will reduce the grades required in another subject.

Look at www.ucas.ac.uk for

additional information.

My son/daughter loves mathematics – how can they be stretched? Take Further Mathematics Participate in the Senior Maths

Challenges in the Autumn term Tackle problems on NRICH website Study for additional qualifications

in mathematics such as AEA, STEP

or MAT , which are required for entrance to some leading

universities to study mathematics.

The Further Mathematics Support ProgrammeThe FMSP aims is to increase the uptake of AS and A level Further Mathematics to ensure that more students reach their potential in mathematics.

To find out more visit www.furthermaths.org.uk

The FMSP website has further advice on studying A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, enrichment resources for students and information on applying to university.

Other sources of information The mathematics teachers at your school FMSP website www.furthermaths.org.uk Maths Careers website www.mathscareers.org.uk Future Morph careers website www.futuremorph.org Best course 4 me www.bestcourse4me.com Tomorrow’s Engineers www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk