Mathematics is suitable for inclusion with either Science or Arts subjects, being particularly recommended if Physics, Chemistry or Biology are taken at A level. Statistics is being used increasingly in other subjects, if not at A level, then in more Advanced courses e.g. in Psychology, Economics or Geography. Students are advised not to start the AS level course unless they have followed the GCSE Higher Tier course and gained grade A or better in the subject as it is considerably more demanding than at GCSE level, and contains a lot of algebra. Students with a B will be considered.
Further Mathematics can only be studied as an additional AS or A level to the standard A level Mathematics. The course would be suitable for students who have achieved a grade A* at GCSE level. The aim is to broaden and deepen their mathematical knowledge and fluency. This qualification is particularly useful to all who intend to study degrees with a strong mathematical content, such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing and Mathematics itself.
Click on the links at the top of the page to find out more about what is involved in the study of these subjects at A Level.
AS and A Level Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics can only be studied as an additional AS or A level to the standard A level Mathematics. The course would be suitable for students who have achieved a grade A* at GCSE level. The aim is to broaden and deepen their mathematical knowledge and fluency. This qualification is particularly useful to all who intend to study degrees with a strong mathematical content, such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing and Mathematics itself.
The course contains both Pure and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics). The Pure Mathematics modules include matrices, complex numbers, groups and more advanced calculus and algebra. Projectile motion, work, energy and power and collisions are covered in the Mechanics module, and sampling and hypothesis tests on various distributions in the Statistics module. The Decision Mathematics modules involve modelling real-life situations using algorithms, networks, linear programming and critical path analysis.
Further Mathematics can be taken at AS level or A level. This is achieved by using a modular system.
For AS level three units are required - one compulsory Pure unit and two other applied units which may not include the Pure units from A level mathematics.
For A level six units are required – two compulsory Pure units, the other four which will normally be two Mechanics, one Statistics and one Decision Mathematics units.
Order of Aggregation
In the majority of cases, certification for A level Mathematics will be made at the same time as the request for A level Further Mathematics certification. In this aggregation process, the best A level Mathematics grade will be determined first and the remaining units will be used to grade the Further Mathematics A level.
Specification: OCR Mathematics (Further) AS 3892 A 7892
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.
Student comments
“Further Maths is a subject for people who are interested in Maths. It is more difficult than the Maths A level and requires a lot of self study. The subject is challenging and great fun.” Maggie
“Further Maths is very different from Maths. You really can fulfil your potential and challenge yourself.” Xuetong
“Further Maths is essentially a challenging extension to Maths and takes you out of your comfort zone. It’s a great challenge, but very rewarding at the same time.” Callum
AS and A Level Mathmatics
Mathematics is suitable for inclusion with either Science or Arts subjects, being particularly recommended if Physics, Chemistry or Biology are taken at A level. Statistics is being used increasingly in other subjects, if not at A level, then in more Advanced courses e.g. in Psychology, Economics or Geography. Students are advised not to start the AS level course unless they have followed the GCSE Higher Tier course and gained grade A or better in the subject as it is considerably more demanding than at GCSE level, and contains a lot of algebra. Students with a B will be considered.
All Sixth Form Mathematics courses contain both Pure and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics). The Pure Mathematics includes calculus and more advanced algebra and trigonometry; the Mechanics is based initially on Newton’s laws of motion and includes both statics, the study of forces on stationary bodies, and dynamics – bodies in motion. Many of the mechanics topics are studied, from a different perspective, in the Physics course. The statistics units aim to help students select appropriate statistical techniques for handling data.
A and AS level Mathematics
Mathematics can be taken at AS level or A level. This is achieved by using a modular system which will not change until 2012.
For AS level three units are required – two compulsory Pure units, the third either Mechanics or Statistics.
For A level six units are required – four compulsory Pure units, the other two can be chosen from four Mechanics and four Statistics units.
Generally our candidates take one mechanics and one statistics unit in addition to the four compulsory Pure ones.
Specification: OCR Mathematics AS 3890 A level 7890
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.
Student comments
“AS Maths combines core Maths and Mechanics and Statistics and it would be easier than you would expect. After a bit of practice, it’s actually quite fun.” Zhenbo
“AS Maths is quite a step up from GCSE, but it is manageable if you’re confident and put the work in. It’s very popular, probably because by studying AS Maths, you’ll reap the benefits in later life.” Callum
“AS level Maths may seem like a big jump from GCSE Maths, but once we get into it, it’s still quite a straight forward course, simply depending on the time and effort we put into it. Core Maths is something I feel is very similar with GCSE Maths in a way which we solve the questions but Mechanics 1 and Statistics 1 may be challenging as it is something new. Even so, I believe A level Maths is not something at an impossible standard for anyone and most people are certainly capable of having a go at it. It can even be interesting sometimes!” Elbert
