Maths and Further Maths A Levels

MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS (EDEXCEL 9MA0 & 9FM0)

What’s it like?

Sixth Form Mathematics builds upon your GCSE work; you will learn lots of new methods and add to a “mathematical tool kit” for solving problems. You will need to follow step by step arguments, you must be prepared to think hard and also realise that, unlike at GCSE, there will be questions you won’t be able to answer straight away. However, it is that challenge and the ultimate sense of achievement when you solve a problem which makes Mathematics such a rewarding and exciting subject at Advanced Level.

The Course

We will follow the Edexcel specification. The course will be assessed via three terminal two hour papers, two of which will cover the Pure Maths and one will examine Statistics and Mechanics.

Further Mathematics

Those who have a real passion for Maths can opt to study Further Mathematics as well as the standard Mathematics A Level. If you choose to study Further Maths you will have 50% more timetabled Maths lessons than those doing Mathematics A Level, so it is worth bearing in mind that you will be completing 2 A Levels in the time it would normally take to do 1½. This course will be taught in parallel with the regular A Level Maths course, taking into account any necessary prerequisite knowledge.

Requirements

You should have studied the Higher GCSE course and preferably achieved a minimum grade 7 preferred (for Further Mathematics a grade 8 would be preferred). In particular, you need to be good at Algebra as solving equations and manipulating formulae and expressions are key skills for A Level Maths. However, every case is different and you should discuss your suitability for the course(s) with your current Maths teacher.

Links

Mathematics is a very useful subject to have; it will prove invaluable in other A Level subjects such as Economics, Physics and Chemistry. Mathematics is a requirement for entry to certain university courses, such as Engineering.

Definitions

Pure is the core subject, developing your skills in algebra, trigonometry, equation solving and calculus (which is all about gradients, areas under curves and how one quantity changes with another).

Applied is the term given to any module other than Pure.

Statistics is concerned with data collection, display and prediction as well as probability. Statistics is useful in Biology, Geography and Economics

Mechanics is about forces and movement and how the world around us works. Mechanics is useful in Physics and Engineering

Academically, it is expected that students entering Birkdale’s Sixth Form will have achieved a minimum of 5 passes (9 to 5) at GCSE, with at least 4 at grade 6 or higher; we would expect 6 or higher GCSE grades in those subjects being studied to A level. A grade 6 is required to study A Level English and Mathematics, although a grade 7 is preferred in Mathematics. Prospective Further Mathematicians should achieve a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics although a grade 8 is preferred. In addition at Birkdale we look beyond the academic and would wish applicants to become fully involved in the life of the school, offering their skills and abilities in one or more of a number of areas (e.g. drama, sport, music, clubs and societies, etc).