Further Mathematics A-Level 

Qualifications 

Exam board: AQA 

Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics  

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Grade 7 or above in Mathematics.  

Must be also taking Mathematics A level.

Further Maths should only be taken as a fourth option.

Skills required 

This course is best suited to students who have a natural aptitude and a real love of mathematics. Students who get the most out of their Further Mathematical studies enjoy solving longer and more complex problems, can identify the knowledge required to answer a question and understand how to apply this knowledge.  

These students are also highly organised and can plan and schedule when they are going to complete work. They are pro-active learners who will actively seek help if necessary.  

Course outline 

Further Mathematics builds on the concepts taught in A level Mathematics helping to increase students’ depth of understanding of the topics covered. As well as digging a little deeper into some familiar topics, students will also be introduced to new ideas, such as imaginary and complex numbers, matrices and infinite series. 
In Year 12 some of the compulsory content for pure maths includes topics such as imaginary and complex numbers, roots of polynomials, curve sketching and inequalities, infinite series, conics and calculus. There is some flexibility in the applied topics studied, with the option to extend the work done on statistics or mechanics, or to study topics from discrete mathematics. 

Student testimony 

Thomas M (Y13)- I find further maths very interesting, as the teachers teach you more than just the simple ways to solve a problem. They show you that there is more than one way to look at a problem and everything can be solved but the answer may not always be clear to see! Because of this, teachers have shown me that life is so much more than can be seen, and this is why it is my favourite subject. 

Hannah R (Y13) – Taking Further maths has strengthened my Oxford application greatly. The analytical thinking of mathematics helps us understand the complex world around us and makes the impossible possible!  

Jack T (Y13)- Further Maths has given me the skills required to pursue a career in higher engineering. 

Career paths 

The Russell Group of leading UK Universities describes Further Mathematics as a ‘facilitating subject’. It lists the subject as one that ‘can give me the most options’. 
The subject is useful for further studies or careers in Biochemistry, Physics, Aeronautical Engineering Actuarial Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and any form of medicine. 

Course outline/assessment 

Exam 100%: Three papers taken at the end of the course. 

Paper 1: Pure Maths 

Paper 2: Pure Maths 

Paper 3: Discrete and Mechanics 

Ongoing assessment: Throughout the course students will have in class assessments- using exam practice questions to assess their understanding of the content covered. Students will be given the opportunity to see marking criteria and compare it against their work, making dedicated improvements where needed.