Further Maths
The vision of the Mathematics Department is to deliver an educational experience of the highest quality that encourages and develops independent thinking and problem-solving skills, thereby helping students prepare for successful roles in a dynamic world.
The Mathematics Department adopts the White Rose Scheme of Learning at KS3 & KS4. The aim of this course is to develop a culture of deep understanding, confidence, and competence in Maths – a culture that produces strong, secure learning and real progress. No matter what their starting points, we strive to facilitate learners to achieve excellence. We believe everyone can do Maths. As we prove this to pupils, we’re hoping to shape assured, happy and resilient mathematicians who relish the challenge of Maths and become independent, reflective thinkers, whose skills not only liberate them in Maths but also support them across the curriculum. We are committed to working together to be and give the absolute best, and to make a difference to every pupil.
Entry Requirements
Students must have achieved a minimum of Grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics and at least Grade 6 in GCSE Further Mathematics in order to select A Level Further Mathematics. It is mandatory to also take A Level Mathematics.
Course Details
At Key Stage 5 we offer both A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics and students follow the Edexcel Syllabus.
Course Description
This Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics and the subject content for the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE Mathematics qualifications. 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 AS further mathematics qualification and also from across the AS Mathematics qualification. Problem solving, proof and mathematical modelling will be assessed in further mathematics in the context of the wider knowledge which students taking A level further mathematics will have studied.
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics consists of four externally-examined papers.
Students must complete all assessments in May/June in year 13.
Why Study This Course?
Taking Further Mathematics not only strengthens your university application but also helps you build valuable skills in problem-solving and decision-making, which are applicable in a wide range of career paths. It shows a commitment to developing a deeper understanding of mathematics and prepares you for degrees that rely heavily on mathematical knowledge.
Through A Level Further Mathematics, you will learn to:
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Build clear and logical mathematical arguments, using accurate methods and language.
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Analyse and critique mathematical reasoning, including proofs.
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Tackle complex and unfamiliar problems by breaking them down and applying advanced techniques.
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Apply mathematics to real-world situations, interpret your solutions, and explain them clearly.
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Create, test, and improve mathematical models, understanding both their strengths and limitations.
Enrichment Opportunities
Students regularly attend Year 12 Enrichment Days organised by the Advanced Maths Support Programme and the Millennium Maths Project.
Programme of Study
| A-Level Further Mathematics – Content | |
| Paper 1 and Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics | Paper 3 and Paper 4 : ( Any one of the following 10 options ) |
| ● Proof
● Complex Numbers ● Matrices ● Further algebra and functions ● Further Calculus ● Further Vectors ● Polar Coordinates ● Hyperbolic Functions ● Differential Equations At Townsend, students may select from ten options for Paper 3 and Paper 4, a flexibility offered by only a handful of schools. This enables them to personalise their academic pathway according to their interests and strengths. |
Option 1
3A- Further Pure Mathematics 1 4A – Further Pure Mathematics 2 Option 2 3B – Further Statistics 1 4B – Further Statistics 2 Option 3 3C – Further Mechanics 1 4C – Further Mechanics 2 Option 4 3D – Decision Mathematics 1 4D – Decision Mathematics 2 Option 5 3A- Further Pure Mathematics 1 3B – Further Statistics 1 Option 6 3A- Further Pure Mathematics 1 3C – Further Mechanics 1 Option 7 3A- Further Pure Mathematics 1 3D – Decision Mathematics 1 Option 8 3B – Further Statistics 1 3C – Further Mechanics 1 Option 9 3B – Further Statistics 1 3D – Decision Mathematics 1 Option 10 3C – Further Mechanics 1 3D – Decision Mathematics 1 |
Assessment
- Paper 1 and Paper 2 may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.
- Students must answer all questions.
- Paper 3 and Paper 4, students answer all the questions for the topic they opted for.
- Calculators can be used in the assessment.
Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1 (9FMO/01)
- 75 marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 25% of overall A Level
Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2 (9FMO/02)
- 75 marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 25% of overall A Level
Paper 3: Further Mathematics Option 1 (9FMO/3A-3D)
- 75 marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 25% of overall A Level
Paper 4: Further Mathematics Option 2 (9FMO/4A-4G)
- 75 marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 25% of overall A Level
Digital Platform
All students will be granted access to Edexcel Pearson ActiveLearn and the Integral digital learning platform, facilitating structured and independent learning at their own pace. Teaching staff will assign and oversee tasks via the Integral platform to support academic progress and reinforce classroom instruction.
Home Learning
A minimum of five hours of homework will be assigned every fortnight. At the end of each chapter, a unit test will be conducted to assess understanding. Year 12 mock examinations will take place in June, while Year 13 mock examinations will be held in January. As part of formative assessment, spot tests will be conducted at the beginning of selected lessons.
It is essential that all students complete the assigned homework and tasks in full and on time, as these contribute significantly to their academic progress and preparation for assessments.
Where can Mathematics take you
A Level Further Mathematics is ideal for students who want to explore mathematics in greater depth. It is particularly valuable for degree courses such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Economics. The course develops advanced problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical skills, going beyond the standard A Level Mathematics curriculum. Students with Further Mathematics experience are highly sought after for careers in data science, research, finance, technology, engineering, and academia, as it demonstrates exceptional mathematical ability and critical thinking.
Further Study
Degrees in
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Economics
- Biology
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- Politics
- Statistics
Careers
- Finance– Actuarial Work, Accountancy, Financial Modelling, Investment Banking
- Computing– Games Design, Internet Security, Telecommunications
- Mathematical Biology-Population Modelling, Epidemics and Vaccination
- Engineering– Aircraft Modelling, Fluid Flows, Acoustic Engineering, Quantity Surveyor, Planner
- Teaching and Lecturing
- Statistics– Medical Statistics, Market Research, Government Statistics
- Business– Logistics, Traffic Planning, Project Management, Business Consultancy
How can parents support their child’s learning
Ensure that your child uses the internet learning tutorials effectively, possibly sitting with them and learning the Mathematics skills together.
Always try to take opportunities to use Mathematics and problem solving in real life contexts with your child: best buys at the supermarket; exchange rates for currency; conversion of measurements; utility bills; interest repayments on loans, mortgages or interest on investments; percentage increase/decrease; card/dice/board games; code-breaking etc.
Useful Links
- Integral Maths – https://integralmaths.org/
- Physics and Maths Tutor – https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/
For more information contact Mr Timpson, Head of Mathematics, Townsend Church of England School.
