Mathematics (Further)

Course summary

The assessed content for the Further Mathematics qualification is totally separate from the content for Mathematics, so the two subjects can be very much regarded as separate subjects in their own right. However, content within the Further Mathematics syllabus assumes knowledge of some content from A level Mathematics. This content will be studied in Mathematics prior to the Further Mathematics content or studied within the Further Mathematics lessons. Unlike the Mathematics course, the content for Further Mathematics is not all prescribed so students have an option to ‘tailor’ the content to some degree to fit their needs. This means a student hoping to study Engineering at university, for example, may choose more Mechanics options, whereas a prospective Economics student may choose to specialise in Statistics. This decision is taken at the beginning of the second year. Students study the Decision 1 option in year 1. On A level Further Mathematics there is a 50:50 split between compulsory and optional elements. Decision Mathematics only exists within the Further Mathematics specification.