Levels available
A2 Mathematics, AS and A2 Further Mathematics
Head of department
Mr R Felix
What do I need to know or be able to do before choosing this subject?
You should enjoy mathematics and be following the Higher Level GCSE course. To have a good chance of success you should be heading towards a grade A or A* at GCSE. This course contains all the content of the other A level courses together with additional modules. It is the equivalent to two A2 courses.
What do the courses consist of and how will I be assessed?
Students opting for this course cover twelve modules over the two years; six in Year 12 and six in Year 13. It is likely that two modules will be sat in the January of each year, with the remaining four being sat in the summer.
Six modules ultimately form each of the Mathematics and Further Mathematics A2 qualifications. Whilst some pure maths modules are compulsory for each qualification, there is flexibility in the way that the marks for the applied modules are used in order in order to optimise the grades achieved by each student. It is also possible for students to complete an AS in Further Mathematics, rather than the full A2 qualification.
The precise nature of the modules covered during Year 12 will depend on the nature of the group. Over the two years all the modules mentioned in the Mathematics with Statistics and Mathematics with Mechanics courses will be covered. These are Pure Core 1, Pure Core 2, Pure Core 3, Pure Core 4, Statistics 1, Statistics 2, Mechanics 1 and Mechanics 2. A brief outline of the additional modules is given below.
Further Pure 1 (FP1)
Topics covered are: Algebra and graphs, complex numbers, roots and coefficients of a quadratic equation, series, calculus, numerical methods, trigonometry, matrices and transformations.
Assessment: One 1 hour 30 minute exam.
At least one module will then be taken from Further Pure 2, 3 and 4.
Further Pure 2 (FP2)
Topics covered are: Roots of polynomials, complex numbers, De Moivre’s Theorem, proof by induction, finite series, hyperbolic functions, are length and area of surface of revolution about the x-axis.
Assessment: One 1 hour 30 minute exam.
Further Pure 3 (FP3)
Topics covered are: Series and limits, polar co-ordinates, differential equations, differential equations - first and second order.
Assessment: One 1 hour 30 minute exam.
Further Pure 4 (FP4)
Topics covered are: Vectors and three dimensional co-ordinate geometry, matrix algebra, solution of linear equations, determinants, linear independence.
Assessment: One 1 hour 30 minute exam.
The remaining module(s) will be made up from decision theory, statistics and mechanics modules, with the precise choice depending on the needs of the group.
How could I develop key skills by doing this course?
As well as covering the study of Mathematics and Further Mathematics, the AS/A2 courses will enable you to develop key skills.
If the coursework in module S1 is undertaken it will enable students to display all the key skills in Application of Number level 3.
What could I go on to after the course?
An A-level in Further Mathematics can lead to a wide range of degree courses and in particular is an excellent background for a Mathematics degree. Any student completing this course will have broad knowledge of Mathematics and its main branches.