Minimum of an A at IGCSE (strongly recommended A*).
Further Maths is only recommended for very able mathematicians who wish to study engineering, physics or pure mathematics at degree level.
Studying mathematics helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, mathematics helps us put a price on things, create graphics, build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions. Maths is also continually growing and changing, as mathematicians and scientists expand on what they already know to discover new theories and inventions.
Maths is one of the subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Not only will studying mathematics help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.
Maths is one of the subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Not only will studying mathematics help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.
If you opt for Further Maths you will complete the Maths A Level in just one year in Year 12 and will then go on to study Further Maths in Year 13. This is a course which is designed to challenge even the very best of mathematicians at Runnymede.
With the introduction of the new syllabus, you will have to opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge you have already gained at IGCSE such as Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics as well as being introduced to Mechanics – a branch of applied mathematics dealing with motion and forces producing motion. More emphasis will be placed upon the process completed to reach an answer and you will be taught how to draw knowledge from different areas of the subject to access a question effectively. You may also have the opportunity to study Decision Maths in Year 2.
Assessments will be designed to reward students for demonstrating the ability to provide responses that draw together different areas of their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study for the Further Mathematics qualification and also from across the Mathematics qualification. Problem solving, proof and mathematical modelling will be assessed in Further Mathematics in the context of wider knowledge and there will be an emphasis on the application of concepts and understanding.
You will have eight double lessons per week, and will be given on average 1 hour of homework per lesson. This is in addition to private study, practice and revision which is expected to be part of your regular study habits.
After each chapter of study you will be given a formative assessment to consolidate your learning and identify any areas of weakness. You will also have regular formative assessments during class time on a range of prior learning and you will take internal exams at the end of Year 12. All external exams will take place at the end of your second year of study. The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics consists of four externally – examined papers in addition to the three that are required for the Mathematics A Level (see entry for Mathematics for detail on these).
Two of these are Pure papers and are compulsory. Two further options are to be selected from Further Pure, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics and Further Decision modules.