Study at PSC

A-level Further Mathematics is the best subject to study if you love challenging and satisfying problem solving tasks. If you see your career heading down a scientific route or if you have a genuine love of complex problems in the wider world of mathematics, then this is the course for you. There will be an introductory task to complete, after you have enrolled, in order to set the scene for the first topic in Pure Maths. Students have the option to complete an AS-level qualification (in one year) or to complete the full A-Level (across two years).

All students follow the same scheme of work in year one and the course is split into three modules. These will take you deeper into mathematical problems that you are familiar with and into brand new areas of mathematics that you may have not considered before. 

Year 1:
Core Pure Mathematics
Complex numbers, Matrices, Sequences & Series, Polynomial Equations and 3D space.

Modelling With Algorithms
General Algorithms, Graphs and Network Theory, Linear Programming in 2D and 3D and Critical Path Analysis.

Mechanics
Forces, Friction, Moments, Centres of Mass, Work-Energy & Power and Dimensional Analysis. 

Year 2:
The important skills of modelling problems, mathematical reasoning and problem solving are key themes in mathematics and are developed further in Year 2. You take a more rigorous approach to proving mathematical theorems and developing the structure of mathematical arguments.

In Year 2 there is a choice of module and you can choose to specialise in Mechanics, Core Pure or Statistics. There is a chance to study the additional Further Pure with Technology module. Each module builds on knowledge gained in Year 1 courses in Further Mathematics and Mathematics. Your choice of module dictates how many exams you will sit at the end of the course.

Lessons will be varied in style, mixing investigations, class discussions, checking progress with mini-white boards and developing a hard-working mentality needed to tackle higher level problems. The Casio graphical calculator offers tools for deepening our understanding, allowing for checking of working and graphical interpretations of complex problems. Teachers will regularly incorporate calculator use into lessons to help you learn and to develop your calculator efficiency. Your teacher will guide you through the use of our Further Maths site, helping you to become more independent in the way you seek out and use the wealth of resources available to support your journey through the course. The subject content is assessed regularly by class tests and homework assignments and the grades from the tests will help you to analyse your progress through the course.

There is a well-resourced workshop, for additional support, every lunchtime. Teachers and upper sixth student helpers will be present at each session to support you. In the approach to exams, there are also module specific workshops available for Year 1 and 2 Further Mathematics.

For AS-level students you will sit three exams, each of 75 minutes and each worth a third of the AS-level qualification at the end of the first year. For A-level students there will be an internal exam in May at the end of the first year of the course. 

To complete the A-level course you will sit the following exams at the end of the second year:

• Paper 1: Core Pure (2 hours 40 mins / 50% of final grade).
• Paper 2: Modelling with Algorithms (1 hour 15 mins / 17% of final grade).

Other examinations sat depend on the year 2 module that you chose.

A-level Further Mathematics (and Mathematics) provides a sound basis for many degree courses. Many universities require you to study A-level Further Mathematics as an entry requirement for the course if your college offer it, or list it as providing a strong advantage. These are often degrees in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Economics. Further Mathematics enhances and deepens your knowledge and will better prepare you for mathematically-rich degree courses, or top tier Russell Group universities.

You will need to purchase two textbooks, for the Core and Mechanics modules in Year 1, we would advise purchasing the ebooks of these. Personal stationery is also required and we will make good use of the graphical calculator that is required for Mathematics A Level. In some cases, where there is difficulty meeting these costs, the College student support fund may be able to help.