AS/A Level Further Mathematics

AS/A Level Further Mathematicss

Why choose Further Mathematics?
The study of Further Mathematics leads students deeper into Pure Mathematics and gives them more breadth in Applied Mathematics. It is particularly helpful for students considering courses at university in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computing, Accounting and allied subjects. It is looked on very favourably by the top universities.

All Further Mathematics students also follow a course, in their second year, in either the Advanced Extension Award or STEP. These are required for Oxbridge entrance and by several of the top universities

Who should consider Further Mathematics?

Firstly, students need to be good at Mathematics, gaining at least an A grade at GCSE. Secondly, they need to enjoy Mathematics, since it will account for two of their A level subjects.


Resources and Facilities
Suite of six teaching rooms equipped with networked computers
Interactive tutorials on the College Web
Specialist mathematical software
A good range of books, videos, CD-ROMs in the Learning Resources Centre for extended study and revision


Teaching and Learning Styles
A variety of styles is employed including the use of graphical calculators, computers, videos, activities and worksheets where appropriate.

The Mathematics Academy

The Mathematics Academy brings together all of the extension activities available to Maths students. Anyone wishing to pursue a Higher Education course in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar, would be advised to enrol in the Academy.

The activities include:
Extension lessons for the Advanced Extension Award and STEP (Oxbridge entrance)
Participation in the Senior Maths Challenge/Maths Olympiad
An introduction to specialist Maths software (Matlab).
Support for the Extended Project
An introduction to parametric and non-parametric hypothesis testing.

A level Further Mathematics

Thirteen units are offered in Mathematics: Pure Mathematics (C1-C4, FP1-FP3), Mechanics (M1-M3), Statistics (S1-S2) and Decision Mathematics (D1). Students study six units in year 1, C1-C4, M1 and S1, effectively completing an A level in Mathematics. In Year 2 they study another six units, FP1-FP3, M2, S2 and either M3 or D1, completing a second A level, this time in Further Mathematics.

AS level Further Mathematics

Students not wishing to undertake a full A level in Further Mathematics, but wanting more than A level Mathematics can take FP1 and two other units in the second year to gain an AS level in Further Mathematics.


Progression Opportunities
Many students go on to university to study Mathematics either as single honours or in combination with a wide range of other subjects including science, engineering, technology, business studies and humanities. Almost any combination is possible.