Mathematics, Further (AS or A Level)

What Will I Study?

Further Mathematics can either be taken as an A Level course (as one of 3, or one of 4, A Level courses) or as an AS Level course as a 4th option subject.  The same route is followed by all Further Mathematics students in Year 12, leading to external AS Level exams in May.  Each student may then opt to continue with Further Mathematics in Year 13 to complete the A Level course.

AS Level and A Level Further Mathematics is a course of study that supports the development of mathematically informed individuals. It encourages learners to think and act mathematically, using mathematical skills and forms of communication to analyse situations within mathematics and elsewhere.  The course provides a balance between breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge. The pure core provides the foundations for further mathematical study, onto which learners add two options; Discrete Mathematics and Mechanics. These options provide flexibility to prepare students for further study and employment in a wide range of highly mathematical disciplines that require knowledge and understanding of sophisticated mathematical ideas and techniques.

AS Level and A Level Further Mathematics is designed for students who wish to study beyond A Level Mathematics, and provides a solid foundation for progression into further study particularly in mathematics, engineering, computer science, the sciences and economics.  Some universities give lower grade offers to students taking Further Mathematics.

Further Mathematics is both broader and deeper than A Level Mathematics, building upon GCSE (9–1) Mathematics and A Level Mathematics. As well as building on the algebra and calculus introduced in A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics pure core content introduces complex numbers and matrices; fundamental mathematical ideas with wide applications in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computing. The non-core content includes different options that can enable learners to specialise in areas of mathematics that are particularly relevant to their interests and future aspirations, and gives learners the opportunity to extend their knowledge in applied mathematics and logical reasoning.

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