What's in AS/A level Further Mathematics?

 AS and A level Further Mathematics are two separate qualifications that can be taken alongside or following AS/A level Mathematics. They both broaden and deepen the maths covered in AS and A level Mathematics.

For both the AS and the A level Further Mathematics qualifications, all of the assessment takes place at the end of the course, and exam questions may draw on the whole of the content. AS Further Mathematics is graded A-E, whilst A level Further Mathematics is graded A*-E. Both have UCAS tariff points.

The required subject content of AS and A level Further Mathematics has been defined by the government. Only three awarding bodies offer AS and A level Further Mathematics qualifications that comply with these requirements and Dene Magna have elected to work with AQA.

Half of the subject content is mandatory. The content of the remaining 50% has a wide range of options available, including statistics, decision/discrete maths and mechanics. 

Entries in England for A level Further Mathematics have risen rapidly in recent years with students recognising that it’s a highly desirable qualification that can help them achieve their aspirations for further study and their future career. Although Further Mathematics is not a course requirement at most universities, it is encouraged for students intending to study engineering (chemical, mechanical, electronic and electrical, or civil) or mathematics at degree level as it introduces a wider range of pure and applied content, such as matrices and complex numbers. Students who have studied Further Mathematics often find the transition to university far more straightforward.

Improving students’ opportunities

Studying maths beyond GCSE helps keep mathematical skills fresh, which can help students to perform better in university selection tests. Many university courses, including subjects other than maths, such as medicine and teaching, require applicants to take an additional admission test with some mathematical content. What’s more, many employers use numeracy tests to filter applicants. Students who have studied maths beyond GCSE are better prepared for such tests.

What will I study?

For both AS and A level Further Mathematics, all students will study the same overarching themes. These are:

•  Mathematical argument, language and proof
•  Mathematical problem solving
•  Mathematical modelling

In addition, students must study two of these options. 

•  Optional application 1 – mechanics
•  Optional application 2 – statistics
•  Optional application 3 – discrete

How is its assessed?

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

AS Further Mathematics Paper 1

•  Written exam: 1 hour 30 minute
•   80 marks
•  50% of AS

The second paper depends on the optional study selected by the student. It will consist of one of the following:

Paper 2

•  Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
•  80 marks
•  50% of AS

Options:

•  One question paper answer booklet on Discrete and One question paper answer booklet on Statistics.
•   One question paper answer booklet on Statistics, one question paper answer booklet on Mechanics.  
• One question paper answer booklet on Mechanics and one question paper answer booklet on Discrete.

A level Further Maths is very similar in organisation, with three 2-hour papers, each worth 100 marks and 1/3 of the A level. All students are examined on the same content for paper 1 and 2, with the same options available in paper 3 as for AS Further Maths paper 2 shown above. 

Summary of course arrangements:

A level Mathematics requires students to sit 6 exam modules over two years.

A level Further Maths requires students to sit a further 6 exam modules over two years giving a total of 12 exam modules in all.