Qualification
Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
AQA
Subject Leader
Mrs C Hattab-Reidy
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
5 x 5s
4聽in English and Maths
Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
4 in GCSE Maths
Why study Core Maths?
Many of the A Level exam specifications include a significant amount of mathematics. This often involves working with some high-level statistical and analytical ideas that are not studied at GCSE. Core maths is a course that is worth the same as an AS Level in terms of UCAS tariff points, is a qualification that is recognised by universities and employers, and which provides much of the mathematical and either statistical or graphical background required in other A Level subjects.
We offer 2 routes in Core Maths. A statistics route that best supports subjects including geography, biology, business studies, economics, PE and psychology, and a graphical route that best supports more science-based subjects such as environmental science, physics, chemistry and computer science. If you are studying one of these subjects and are not intending to do A Level mathematics, then Core Maths will be very helpful.
Alongside the statistical and graphical elements of the course, personal finance is a significant element of the course 鈥� learning about practical mathematics such as taxes, loans, mortgages, budgeting, savings, inflation and exchange rates is essential for future life. Problem solving also forms a large part of the course. The majority of this involves starting with a something real (such as a newspaper article) and unpicking the mathematics used. This is fun and satisfying (and a little scary when we discover how many errors there are in the news we see every day!).
What can I do with Core Maths after Sixth Form?
Degree courses in the subjects mentioned above can also include a large amount of mathematical work, and some universities are encouraging sixth formers to study the subject because it will help to support applications for university degree courses and will help the students during the course too.聽Several universities have made reduced tariff offers to students who are taking Core Maths to reflect the value that they place on the course. Many employers say they are keen to work with people who can solve problems and the work we do with real-life problem solving will help with this as well as keeping up practice with mathematical skills gained during GCSE.
What will I study?
Level 3 Mathematical Studies includes the following areas of study:
- Material taken from GCSE maths; this can be applied in new contexts
- Problem solving, including the use of real-life starting points
- Mathematical literacy, which involves being able to analyse statements mathematically
- Estimation
- Personal finance
- Statistics
- Graphical techniques and modelling
- Using ICT
There are 3 lessons per week across year 12 and year 13. The course is examined via two papers (no coursework), taken at the end of year 13. Students all take paper 1 and then one of the paper 2 options:
- Paper 1: Problem solving and personal finance
- Paper 2A: Critical analysis and statistical techniques
- Paper 2C: Critical analysis and graphical techniques