A Level Mathematics (Including Further Maths and Core Maths)

Course Information

Mathematics A-level Exam Board: Edexcel

The mathematics curriculum at Wymondham High promotes reasoning and problem solving  

leading to mastery and logical thinking. Our curriculum aims to develop well rounded  

determined and responsible young people, valued in industry and higher education. 

A Level Mathematics matches well with a variety of subjects whilst being extremely relevant and useful in it’s own right.  

At this level Mathematics is not only about extending the range of algebra, geometry, data and graphing techniques commonly associated with the subject. Creative thinking and problem solving is of great importance in order to break down complex problems into logical, manageable steps. This is a valuable skill in all areas of life and mathematics A level is highly regarded by all universities and employers. The course is made up of units from Pure Mathematics (algebra and graphing), Statistics (data handling) and Mechanics (forces and motion). At this level, mathematics allows for creative thinking which is critical for breaking down complex problems into logical, manageable steps. Mathematics A-level is highly regarded by all universities and employers. At Wymondham High we have excellent take up and results for A-level mathematics.  

Career opportunities  

Mathematics is a requirement for many careers and university courses. Virtually every science, engineering or design course beyond A-level has a mathematical content, often a very substantial one. Many of the Arts and Social Science courses such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Psychology and Sociology contain elements for which Mathematics would be very useful, though not always essential, and for these courses the new ‘Core Maths’ qualification could be a more suitable option; check university websites for specific course requirements. There are many courses beyond A-level that link Mathematics with other subject areas, such as ‘mathematics with philosophy’. A-level Mathematics is highly regarded by all employers due to the ability shown to solve complex problems using logical argument and strategy; these are the skills used and needed by, for example, lawyers.  

Entry requirements  

A grade 6 or above at GCSE Mathematics is required to realistically make a success of this course. Students achieving grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics are more suited to the new ‘Core Maths’ qualification.  

Specification  
Edexcel Mathematics A-Level 9MA0    

Year 12 mathematics curriculum overview

Year 13 mathematics curriculum overview

Course Information

Core Mathematics

Students taking Core Mathematics will not be taking A-level Mathematics. Students taking A-Level subjects with a high mathematical requirement (e.g Physics or IT) would not benefit a great deal from the Core Maths course because of the high emphasis on statistics and lack of algebra. However, students taking subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Geography, Economics or Business Studies are strongly encouraged to take Core Maths as it will strengthen the skills needed to perform well in these courses and future careers. For the same reasons universities will look favourably on the course. Please note: Some university courses that require A-level Mathematics as a discreet subject. For example, Engineering, will not allow Core Mathematics to replace Mathematics as an A-level option. Courses like accountancy vary depending on the university.  

This one-year course will be covered during five periods per fortnight in Year 12, and students will complete the course and sit the final exam in May/June of the same year. Core Maths gives the equivalent UCAS value of an AS subject.  

The Level 3 Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) has been developed jointly by OCR and Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) to meet the Core Maths requirements. This qualification gives learners the mathematical skills to tackle problems 
in a variety of real life and career situations, but without the algebra content of traditional AS maths courses needed for specialist careers such as engineering. It enables learners to strengthen the mathematical knowledge and skills which they have learnt at GCSE so that they can apply them to the problems which they will encounter in further study, life and employment.  

Students will be encouraged to tackle problems in realistic contexts that are relevant to their other subjects. Topics covered include modelling, statistical processing and representation, finance, exponentials, rates of change and gradients, geometry and measures, risk, estimation, problem solving, communicating solutions, use of technology.  

Career opportunities
Core Mathematics will facilitate your application to university courses and support you in the working world. The content is readily applied to real life job situations where numerical or statistical Maths skills are used (e.g scientific research, finance, data collection, surveys and presentations) and will provide you with useful skills to support a wide range of careers.  

After Sixth Form

Equivalent points of an AS-level. The following UCAS tariff applies to this certificate: A - 60, B-50, C-40, D-30, E-20.  

Entry requirements 
We recommend students only take Core Mathematics with a grade 5 at GCSE (Higher or Foundation).

Specification
AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies 1350  

Year 12 core mathematics curriculum overview

Further Mathematics

The Further Mathematics course is considered to be an extension to the Mathematics A-level course but is designed to be taught alongside the mathematics syllabus with new topics from the outset.  

The Further Mathematics Course is considered to be an extension to the Mathematics A level Course but is designed to be taught alongside the mathematics syllabus with new topics from the outset. Further Maths is a challenging and demanding course which is enjoyed by those students who thrive from the demands and rigor of Maths. The challenging nature and depth of the course is the reason why Further Maths is so highly regarded by universities offering Maths or related courses such as Engineering. The course consists of units from Further Pure (algebra, complex numbers & graphing) Further Mechanics (advanced forces & motion) and (Decision Maths (Algorithms and networking).  

Career opportunities
Further mathematicians have always been successful when applying for their chosen university courses. In previous years, students studying Further Mathematics have chosen courses such as: Mathematics, Medicine, Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Design, Systems Engineering and Biomechanical or Chemical Engineering. All universities running Science/Engineering/Design based courses would consider Further Mathematics to be a valuable asset.  

Specification

Edexcel Further Mathematics AS – 8FM0 (there is an option to sit this at the end of Year 12)  

Edexcel Further Mathematics A-Level 9FM0  

Year 12 further mathematics curriculum overview

Year 13 further mathematics curriculum overview

General Information: 

To access the Key Stage 5 Maths website, please use the link below: 

https://sites.google.com/view/wha-ks5maths/home