Main Menu Sixth Form A-Level Further Maths The content is separated into three areas: Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics with all elements being assessed through a written examination. All pupils must study all three topic areas. Further Maths cannot be studied in its own right and must be taken in conjunction with the single A-Level Maths course. (Resulting in 2 maths qualifications) What Topics Will I Study? In Pure Maths, learners will extend and deepen their knowledge of proof, algebra, functions, calculus, vectors and differential equations studied in A-Level Mathematics. They will also broaden their knowledge into other areas of pure mathematics that underpin the further study of mathematics and other numerate subjects with complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates and hyperbolic functions. In Statistics learners will explore the theory which underlies the statistics content in A-Level Mathematics, as well as extending their tool box of statistical concepts and techniques. This area covers combinatorics, probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables, hypothesis tests and confidence intervals for a population mean, chi-squared tests, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression. In Mechanics learners extend their knowledge of particles, kinematics and forces from A-Level Mathematics, using their extended pure mathematical knowledge to explore more complex physical systems. The area covers dimensional analysis, work, energy, power, impulse, momentum, centres of mass, circular motion and variable force. Please click here for exam information and topics studied in each academic year. What Grades do I Need at GCSE Level? Apart from minimum entry requirements for the sixth form you we would encourage students to consider A-Level Further Maths if they have a grade 8 or better at GCSE. We will accept a grade 7 in some circumstances, but students must understand that they are likely to need to do significant additional work both independently and in school to bridge the gap between GCSE and A-Level further maths. This is because a lot of the harder grade 8-9 algebraic topics are fundamental building blocks for students to succeed at A Further Level. Students can only study A-Level Further Maths if they are also doing A-Level Maths. A grade 5 is also required in English Language. What Other Subjects Should I Study? The Maths/Further Maths option can be combined with many other subject areas. It is particularly effective when studied alongside Geography, Psychology or any of the Sciences as there is a significant overlap in terms of content of these subjects. What About Choices After A-Levels? The course provides a balance between breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge. Anyone interested in studying Maths or Engineering at university should consider Further Maths as it is the best preparation for degree standard Maths and for this reason universities prefer it, with most of the top institutions considering Further Maths to be a compulsory entry requirement. Further Information Please contact Mrs V Corbett (Head of Maths): vcorbett@idsall.shropshire.sch.uk or Mrs J-A Lloyd (teacher in charge of KS5 Maths): jlloyd@idsall.shropshire.sch.uk Exam Board: OCR Return to Main Sixth Form Page Copyright © 2021 Idsall School CONTACT US SAFEGUARDING OFSTED REPORT OFSTED PARENT VIEW WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY Idsall School is a charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 08976748 whose registered office is at Idsall School, Coppice Green Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PD