“Mathematics is the queen of the sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics.”
Marie Curie
For those with a real passion and talent for Mathematics this course can be immensely rewarding and satisfying. It will extend and deepen your mathematical knowledge and also allow you to further build on the problem-solving skills developed in A Level Mathematics. This is a challenging course that is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians and prepare them for university courses in mathematics and related quantitative and scientific subjects such as Physics, Engineering, Computer Science and Economics. In order to take Further Mathematics A Level, you must also be studying Mathematics A Level.
A level
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: Edexcel, Code: 9MA0
Like A Level Maths, Further Maths is studied alongside the standard A Level and is made up of compulsory Core Pure Mathematics content plus a choice of optional applied units. At our school, students take the optional routes in Further Mechanics and Further Statistics.
Core Pure Mathematics builds substantially on the Pure content of standard A Level Maths, introducing topics such as complex numbers, matrices, further calculus, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations. It develops a much deeper level of mathematical fluency and abstract reasoning than the core A Level course.
Further Mechanics extends the mechanics studied at A Level, applying pure mathematical techniques to more sophisticated problems in motion and force. Topics include momentum and impulse, work, energy and power, elastic collisions, and circular motion — excellent preparation for students planning to study Physics or Engineering at university.
Further Statistics builds on the statistical ideas met at A Level, introducing more advanced probability distributions, hypothesis testing and correlation techniques. It is particularly valuable for students considering degrees in subjects such as Economics, Psychology, Data Science or the Sciences, where a strong statistical foundation is an asset.
Together, these units give students a broader and more rigorous mathematical toolkit, while reinforcing and reinforcing links back to the standard A Level Maths content which is studied consecutively.
Further Mathematics consists of four papers:
- Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics, (Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins, 25% of the qualification each paper)
- Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics, (Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins, 25% of the qualification each paper)
- Two Further Mathematics option papers from a choice of: Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Mathematics (Written paper: I hour 30 mins, 25% of the qualification each paper)
Co-Curricular
There are many opportunities to enjoy mathematics beyond the classroom, and we encourage all our students to explore these.
All students take part in the Senior Mathematics Challenge, with high scorers invited to participate in additional Olympiad rounds (BMO). Many students also enter the UKMT Maths Challenge, with several achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates each year. Further Mathematics students go on to enter either the UK Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG) or the new Mathematical Competition for Girls, with opportunities to attend seminars led by leading mathematicians on cutting-edge research and applications. Students may also represent the school in the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition or the Senior Team Mathematical Challenge.
Students can also sign up to the GDST Sixth Form Maths Programme — a bespoke programme designed to stretch and challenge GDST Sixth Form students in Pure Maths, helping to prepare them for the Pure Maths elements of university entrance examinations, including the MAT, in October and November.
The Department also arranges occasional guest speakers, who talk about the mathematics they are studying post-16 or using in their careers. All Year 12 students have the opportunity to prepare and deliver a Royal Institution Maths Masterclass — a series of hands-on workshops exploring mathematics beyond the classroom curriculum — delivering these sessions to Year 5 pupils in neighbouring schools. This experience builds confidence and communication skills and inspires the next generation of young mathematicians. Year 12 students are also given the opportunity to take part in mathematical visits and lectures, including the Maths in Action lectures held in London.
