AS/A2 Mathematics (Further)

AS/A2 Mathematics (Further)
AS/A2 If you are a strong Mathematician, who enjoys complex problem solving and exploring new Mathematics ideas, you may not be challenged by the Mathematics AS/A2 course, and you should consider Further Mathematics.Further Mathematics can only be taken in addition to the Mathematics AS/A2 course.The aim is not only to improve your mathematics, but also your ability to study independently. The focus in class will be on encouraging you to tackle problems in groups, deriving your own methods and solutions. For Further Pure Maths 1, in particular, the emphasis is very heavily on method and structure, so it is vital that you become accustomed to setting your workings out properly.You will receive plenty of support from your teacher, but you should not take this course unless you want to be challenged to do your very best.

Some students take this as a fifth course in Year 12, and as a fourth in Year 13 only if they are sure they will take a Mathematical path after Long Road. Students can also study Further Mathematics AS in Year 13 if they have shown flair in their AS Mathematics year.

AS Course Content
The AS course consists of three equally-weighted units:

1: Further Pure Maths 1
This introduces a wider range of algebraic concepts, such as matrices, complex numbers, and proof by induction.
Assessment: examination 100%
2: Statistics/Mechanics
The content of this module is identical to that of the module described on the Mathematics AS/A2 description.
Assessment: examination 100%

3: Decision Maths
You will learn to use networks, algorithms and simulation to solve practical problems, including project management; shortest path and profit maximisation.
Assessment:100%

A2 Course Content
This is the section of the course which is significantly harder than Mathematics AS/A2:

3: Further Pure Maths 2
This builds on the content of Further Pure Maths 1, and has much more depth on those topics.

Assessment: examination 100%

4: Numerical Methods
You will learn about different methods to approximate numerically the solutions of typical problems found in Pure Maths.
Assessment: examination 80% coursework 20%

5: Where possible there will be some choice to the third unit'Further Pure Maths 3 and Differential Equations are popular choices.
Assessment: examination

Is Further Maths for me?
You will enjoy and benefit from Further Mathematics if you:

• have already taken additional Maths qualifications before coming to Long Road (for example, Statistics GCSE, Additional Mathematics GCSE or indeed AS Mathematics Modules)
• if you are hoping to study Maths, Physics or Engineering at a very selective university.
• have strong algebra skills and enjoy abstract methods and concepts.

Further Maths and your future
The study of Further Mathematics at this level can lead to a range of further studies and possible careers including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering and Accounting as well as Law, Architecture and other science subjects. Although very few universities insist on Further Maths for entry to their Maths courses, if you come from an institution which offers Further Maths, and haven't taken it, that could well count against you.

Visits & Visitors
Cambridge benefits from having a Further Mathematics Centre based at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences and they often provide revision sessions for Further Mathematics modules.