Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (grade C or above) with a grade 8 (grade A*) or above in GCSE Mathematics.
Course Introduction
The Fast Track course attracts students who thoroughly enjoy Mathematics and are keen to extend their understanding and knowledge. Further Mathematics is an additional A Level to the standard A Level Mathematics qualification. Further Maths takes many of the concepts met in A Level Maths to a higher plane. Some prestigious university courses will only accept students with Further Mathematics qualifications on their Mathematics degree courses.
Course Content
Mathematics develops your skills in analysis and challenges you to think rigorously. It trains you to identify the important aspects of any problem and to work logically to find a solution. If you enjoy Mathematics, the Fast Track Mathematics course will provide a challenge and a chance to explore new and more sophisticated mathematical concepts, such as complex numbers, polar co-ordinates, hyperbolic functions and matrices. Topics met in the single A Level Mathematics course (such as calculus and its applications, vectors and proof) are extended in Further Mathematics.
During the first year you will quickly complete AS Mathematics and then study a wide variety of topics from both AS Further Mathematics and A level Mathematics. Topics will include pure maths – algebra calculus, matrices, complex numbers – statistics, mechanics and modelling with algorithms.
In the second year you will complete the AS Further Mathematics and A level Mathematics syllabuses. You will have a choice as to whether to continue with your studies and take A level Further Mathematics as well. As classes are very small, the second year Further Mathematics optional modules will be selected to suit the interests and skills of the students in the class.
Other A Levels
Mathematics and Further Mathematics combine well with any other subject, particularly the Sciences, Social Sciences, Business and Computer Science.
Where will my course lead?
Mathematics and Further Mathematics are considered facilitating subjects (see page 8) and are highly regarded by top universities. They are particularly advantageous for anyone considering taking a degree course in Mathematics, Engineering, Computing or a Theoretical Science. Mathematics is a highly valued subject and may lead to a variety of careers such as accounting, banking and engineering. See: http://furthermaths.org.uk/docs/Why-study-maths-and-further-maths.pdf for more information.
