Further Mathematics (EDEXCEL

Further Mathematics represents a significant step up from single Mathematics at A Level. The work becomes increasingly abstract to a point where it will not resemble what you currently consider to be Mathematics. You should only consider doing Further Mathematics if it supports your chosen course at University. The courses where an A Level in Further Mathematics is often required are Mathematics (at some universities), Engineering, Biochemistry, Medicine and some related degrees such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Dentistry, Materials Science, Veterinary Science and P.P.E.

Entry Requirements And Available Options

There are two routes offered for the study of Further Mathematics alongside Mathematics (2 separate A Levels):

i) Accelerated Further Maths (in one option column)

This route requires you to select Further Mathematics as one of your main 3 options and you do not need to select Mathematics as well. It treats A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics as a single option. You will receive the same number of periods per week as your other A Level subjects. This is a challenging task and can only be undertaken by those pupils who have gained a grade 9 at GCSE/IGCSE and an A or B grade in OCR Additional Mathematics FSMQ in Year 11.

ii) Double Further Maths (in two option columns)

This route requires you to select Mathematics as one of your 3 main options and Further Mathematics as a fourth option. This should only be considered by pupils who have gained a grade 9 at GCSE/IGCSE. It is an advantage to have studied Additional Mathematics in Year 11, but not a requirement.

There is a test in the first week of term based on the summer work set on Induction Day and your result will be used to confirm your suitability for the Further Mathematics A Level course.

Further Mathematics At Berkhamsted

We expect students to use Mathematics as an effective means of communication and to read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of the subject. Students take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Future Prospects

Whilst some universities would describe its study as only advisable, others would describe it as essential and those students who have the qualification will have a significant advantage over those who do not.

Course Content

Further Mathematics switched to the new linear system in September 2017 for first examination in the summer of 2019. The course demands the compulsory study of Core Pure Maths and we offer the option for you study Mechanics (FM1) and Statistics (FS1) as the other two components. Further Mathematicians taking either route, complete the full A Level Mathematics course in Year 12 before moving on to study the Further Maths material in Year 13. Both courses are examined during the Summer of Year 13.

Completion of the full A level Maths course in a single year and the Further Maths course in the second year is demanding and requires high levels of independent study outside of the classroom. Both the Accelerated and Double routes complete the same content in the same timeframe, but the Double route provides more teaching contact time each week.