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    Further Mathematics

    Introduction to Department: 

    Further Mathematics is a highly versatile, demanding and valuable qualification for the most able mathematicians.  Students enjoy solving complex mathematical problems and are interested in learning new and abstract concepts.  Further Mathematics is particularly useful for students wishing to study Mathematics at University, together with Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Physics and other sciences and mathematics related subjects such as statistics and data science. Many universities also value the AS qualification as demonstration of further mathematical study during year 12. Outcomes in Further Mathematics are excellent.  For example, in recent years, A level outcomes have ranged from 85-100% grades A* to B.  AS outcomes are also excellent, typically 85% grades A to B. 

    Recommended reading list:  

    • What Is Mathematics? — Richard Courant & Herbert Robbins (KS5) 
    • The Mathematical Universe — William Dunham (KS5) 
    • Journey Through Genius — William Dunham (KS5) 
    • Mathematical Olympiad Challenges — Titu Andreescu (KS5) 
    • Proofs from THE BOOK — Martin Aigner & Günter Ziegler (KS5)

    Learning by Key  Stage:

    AS and A Level Further Mathematics 

    Edexcel Further Mathematics AS Level and A Level.  

    Further Mathematics is available as a fourth A level choice for students in year 12 who excel in mathematics. Students who wish to study Further Mathematics in Year 12 will require a Grade 8 grade or higher at their GCSE 9-1 Mathematics. 

    Approximately 40 students study the Edexcel AS Further Mathematics course in year 12, grouped into 3 sets. Most students opt to enter for AS Level further mathematics in year 12 in order to secure highly valuable evidence of their success prior to university applications in year 13.  Some students choose to terminate their study of Further Mathematics at this point, whilst others choose to continue onto the full A Level in year 13.   Given the demands of the subject, students are advised that a grade B or higher in Year 12 Further Mathematics is generally encouraged to secure excellent outcomes in Year 13 Further Mathematics. 

    Further Mathematics allows students to push the boundaries of their mathematical understanding and it provides the opportunity to learn new, interesting and complex methods.   50% of the course is prescribed Pure Maths Content and covers interesting areas of mathematics such as Vectors, Complex Numbers and Matrices. This content is shared between the two teachers of Further Mathematics.  In addition, the two optional modules, Further Mechanics 1 and Further Pure 1 are split between the two teachers.  The two optional modules which are each worth 25% of the course. The course is designed to run parallel to the A level Mathematics course. Students use some skills learned in the A level course along with learning new skills and topics. 

    The text-books that students are required to have for Year 12 Further Maths are: 

    1. Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics: Core Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS published by Pearson. ISBN 9781292183336 
    2. Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics: Further Mechanics 1 published by Pearson. ISBN 9781292183312 
    3. Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics: Further Pure Mathematics 1 published by Pearson. ISBN 9781292183350 

    The additional textbook that students are required to have for Year 13 Further Maths is: 

    1. Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics: Core Pure Mathematics Book 2 published by Pearson. ISBN 9781292183343 

    Staff

    Head of Department: Mrs J Barrett jb@bishopwordsworths.org.uk 

    Teachers of: 

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