Further Mathematics is studied in conjunction with Mathematics. It counts as a separate qualification and, with Mathematics, requires the time of two A Levels. It will likely improve your A-level Mathematics grade by consolidating and reinforcing the standard A-level Mathematics work. Further Mathematics involves a broader and deeper study of Mathematics than the standard course. Students who study A Level Further Mathematics will have strong problem-solving skills. They develop strong resilience and determination when searching for solutions to complicated problems, demonstrating high logical skills. In addition, they form strong written communication and verbal skills when explaining how they arrived at a solution or proof. For Year 12, students will be introduced to exciting new topics such as complex numbers; and working with the square root of a negative one, an important concept for computer programming. They will also learn about matrices, which are used to represent real-world statistics, from a display of bus or train routes to data on population and mortality rates. The majority of core pure content and all of the mechanics and statistics content will be covered in the first year. Students will study mathematical argument; language and proof; mathematical problem solving; and mathematical modelling. They will also learn mechanics and statistics as an extension of the standard mathematics syllabus. In Year 13, the remainder of the core pure and the extra pure option is covered. They extend their study of complex numbers and matrices and are introduced to first-order and second-order differential equations, which students will find helpful in their degree courses. Overwhelmingly, students taking Further Mathematics find it an enjoyable, rewarding and stimulating experience. For students who enjoy mathematics, it provides a challenge and a chance to explore new and more sophisticated mathematical concepts.