Further Maths A-Level (OCR)
Course Overview
This course takes your ability to answer mathematical problems at GCSE and extend them into real world modelling by providing you with even more core and applied mathematics skills. Through independent learning, classroom discussion and challenging concepts, we will develop your thinking and mathematical skills in a way that builds a deep understanding, preparing you for University.
The key skills which underpin the study of maths at Key Stage 5 are to develop fluency, the ability to reason and to apply mathematical knowledge to problem solving. The topic areas covered in this qualification are split into three main sections: Pure, Discrete and Statistics. The content within these sections are outline below:
Pure Mathematics 1
Matrices; Vectors; applications of Matrices;Complex numbers;Roots of polynomials; Mathematical induction and Proof.
Pure Mathematics 2
Series and induction; Powers and roots of complex numbers; Complex numbers and trigonometry; Lines and planes in space; Simultaneous equations and planes; Hyperbolic functions; Further calculus techniques; Applications of calculus; Polar coordinates; Differential equations and applications of differential equations.
Statistics
Counting principles and probability; Discrete random variables; poisson Distribution; Non-parametric hypothesis tests; Correlation and regression; Chi-squared tests; Continuous distributions; Combining random variables and Further hypothesis tests and confidence intervals.
Discrete Maths
Problem solving; Graphs and networks; Algorithms; Network algorithms;Critical path analysis; Linear programming and Game theory.
The assessment structure is 100% exam. There are four exams, equally weighted, each 1.5 hours with calculators allowed.
Any student planning to take a mathematics-rich degree (Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, as well as Mathematics itself) will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, and will find the transition to degree level work easier as a result. By completing an A level qualification in Further Mathematics you can choose just about any profession you want!
You should be on track to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4 - 9, ideally including English, with Mathematics at grade 7 or above. You must be taking Mathematics A Level alongside this course.
