Course information
Mathematics (Further)
St Paul's Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy - Leicester
01162414057
Spencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HN
Course summary

We do not offer an AS level in Further Mathematics at St Paul’s for the new A-levels; however, the AS course is exactly identical to the year 12 scheme of study. Currently in Further Maths, we major in Statistics and minor in Mechanics at St. Paul’s. 1: CORE PURE - AS and A level: Some pure topics from AS level Mathematics are studied in greater depth, while some new topics are introduced. Algebraic work with series is extended. The powerful technique of proof by induction is used in various contexts. Complex numbers are introduced, including their geometrical representation. Matrices are used to solve systems of equations and to explore transformations. Scalar products of vectors are applied to problems involving planes. - A level only: In addition to studying these topics in more depth, learners also applied vector methods to problems involving lines and planes and calculus techniques are extended, including the use of hyperbolic functions and polar coordinates, and culminate in the solution of differential equations. 2: MECHANICS Mechanics minor In this option, basic principles of forces and their moments, work and energy, impulse and momentum and centres of mass are used to model various situations. These include rigid bodies in equilibrium; particles moving under gravity, on a surface, in a circle, attached to springs; and bodies colliding with direct or oblique impact. 3: STATISTICS Statistics minor In this option, situations are modelled by discrete random variables; the suitability of models is tested using chi-squared tests. Bivariate data are investigated, with tests for correlation and association and modelling using regression. 4: MODELLING WITH ALGORITHMS Modelling with algorithms minor In this option, what is an Algorithm and the effect of its complexity; Modelling with graphs and networks; Linear programming for finding optimised solutions; the simplex method is applied to a variety of problems.

Entry requirements

Students will be expected to have met St Paul’s entry requirements of 2 Grade 5’s and 4 Grade 4’s. A minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths is essential for all courses. Further Mathematics has an additional entry requirement of GCSE Maths at a minimum of grade 7 to study A level Maths AND A level Further Maths. It is not possible to study A-level Further Maths without studying A-level Maths.

How you'll be assessed

1: CORE PURE Section A - Shorter questions with minimal reading interpretation. Section B - Longer questions and more problem-solving. 144 raw (180 scaled) 2 hours 40 mins 50 % 2: STATISTICS A gradient of demand across the paper 60(60 scaled) 1 hour 15 mins each 16 2/3% 3: MECHANICS A gradient of demand across the paper 60(60 scaled) 1 hour 15 mins each 16 2/3% 4: MODELLING WITH ALGORITHMS A gradient of demand across the paper 60(60 scaled) 1 hour 15 mins each 16 2/3%

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityLeicester
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressSpencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HN