Further Mathematics

In the Sixth Form at Bristol Grammar School you will have the opportunity to gain qualifications in AS mathematics, A2 mathematics, AS further mathematics and A2 further mathematics. Whatever you choose, you will need to consider the following very carefully.

Why should I choose mathematics?

The first and foremost reason is because you have enjoyed it so far and have a keen interest in it. This certainly provides the best motivation. You need to like the subject intrinsically, be keen to participate in discussions and to persevere in solving problems. You will also need to be confident in your ability, particularly on the algebraic topics you have encountered so far, in order that you are able to cope with the demands of further studies in this subject.

Another reason for choosing mathematics is because you see its use in helping you to obtain a job or a place on a higher education course; it is essential for further studies in mathematics and for many engineering, science and computing courses. A surprisingly large number of careers expect you to have studied mathematics to a higher level e.g. accountancy, actuarial work, banking, financial services, architecture, sciences and medicine and it is also becoming increasingly important in areas like business management, economics, psychology and marketing. Mathematics also shows an employer that you possess a significant level of logical thinking and problem-solving ability, which is highly valued in careers such as law. Many students enjoy the challenge of the subject; they like its strict arguments and the satisfaction of solving problems. Others find fascination in the orderliness inherent in mathematics.

Why should I choose further mathematics?

All of the above reasons apply, but because you study two courses of mathematics, you really do need to like it! It provides greater depth and breadth of mathematics, which is almost essential if you intend studying mathematics at some universities or making Oxbridge applications in related subjects, especially engineering.

The Course Structure

The courses offered follow the OCR modular syllabus. This means that there are many modules you could study, each one covering a group of related topics. Some of these deal with:

Pure mathematics

Including many new tools of algebra, the world of calculus (which lets mathematicians write down equations that describe everything from the motion of the universe to the production of your daily weather forecast), trigonometry (but far removed from any triangles you have seen) and many new topics not mentioned at GCSE.

Mechanics

The study of forces and the way they combine to make things move. You will have encountered some of these ideas in physics.

Statistics

Looking at frequency distributions and, using the laws of probability, helping you to reach sensible conclusions about data.

Discrete mathematics

Problems such as ‘what is the shortest route for a salesman to travel round all his customers’ or ‘how to plan a team working on a project to be finished as quickly as possible’.

What grade do I need at GCSE?

To study mathematics at AS or A2 Level, past results suggest that successful candidates will have gained at least grade A at GCSE. With a B at GCSE, your Year 11 teacher must be confident that you will cope with A Level and you must talk with them about this. In any event, you must sit the Higher Tier papers if you intend pursuing mathematics in the Sixth Form.

To take further mathematics at either AS or A2, you should be aiming for the top grade (A*) at GCSE and you need to be especially confident with algebra topics – again your current mathematics teachers will be the best advisors.

It may be possible for a small number of students to take mathematics and further mathematics as two of five AS subjects. This course will cover material for 12 modules in 1½ blocks of time and students will therefore need to be outstanding mathematicians. They will also need to be excellent all-round students and will need to seek the Headmaster’s permission before embarking on this course.

For details of the A Level curriculum please visit www.ocr.org.uk