Why study A level further maths?
Further maths is designed for you if you have an enthusiasm for maths, and want to go on to degrees in maths, engineering, the sciences and economics. The qualification is deeper and broader than A level maths.
As well as building on algebra and calculus introduced in A level maths, the core content introduces complex numbers and matrices, fundamental ideas with wide applications in engineering, physical sciences and computing. The non core contents include different options that can enable students to specialise in areas of maths that are particularly relevant to their interests and future aspirations.
Level: A level
Board: AQA
Head of department:
Mrs C Reeves
Entry requirement: Grade 8 GCSE maths; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
How is A level further maths delivered and assessed?
| Year | Unit | Content | Assessment |
| 12 | Core pure mathematics 1 | Complex numbers, matrices, proof, vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions | |
| Optional content introduction | Students may begin optional topics such as mechanics, statistics, discrete/decision maths | Internal assessment / mock exams | |
| 13 | Paper 1: core pure 1 | Builds on year 12 core pure topics | 1-hour and 30-minute written exam |
| Paper 2: core pure 2 | Further calculus, differential equations, further vectors, series, groups | 1-hour and 30-minute written exam | |
| Paper 3: optional module | Choice of mechanics, statistics, discrete, extra pure mathematics | 1-hour and 30-minute written exam |
Optional module choices (paper 3):
- Further mechanics: momentum, circular motion, work-energy
- Further statistics: distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation
- Discrete/decision: graph theory, algorithms, linear programming
- Extra pure: deeper exploration of pure maths topics (often for mathematically inclined students)
