What is A-Level Further Mathematics?
In A-Level Further Mathematics, you will further your learning from A-Level Mathematics. Note that to take Further Maths you need to also do A-Level Mathematics. Thus you must be confident with the preparation from A-Level Mathematics. In this course, we also follow the AQA course. This specification is split into Pure which is compulsory and a choice of two of Mechanics, Statistics or Discrete mathematics.
The Pure content is composed of proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations and numerical methods. Mechanics is split into dimensional analysis, momentum and collisions, work, energy, power, circular motion, centres of mass and further moments. The Statistics option is made of discrete random variables, Poisson distribution, error types, continuous random variables, chi-squared test, exponential distribution, one sample t-test and confidence intervals. Finally, the Discrete maths content involves graphs, networks, network flows, linear programming, critical path analysis, game theory and binary operations.
How to prepare for September?
Complete the work on: https://amsp.org.uk/resource/gcse-alevel-transition-resources as instructed by your teacher during induction. There are six sections to work through: Simplifying, Expanding, Factorising, Rearranging, Solving and Sketching. You should read through all of the resources but for topics that you have already mastered, you should concentrate on the problem solving and enrichment tasks towards the end of each document. You should complement this by exploring some of the links below for activities, articles and videos.
For more information:
What more can I do if I enjoy maths?
We assume that you have chosen to study A-Level Further Mathematics because you already enjoy maths. We want you to explore it beyond the curriculum and become a well-rounded mathematician, so here are some suggestions for maths problems, books, articles, podcasts and films.
Maths activities:
- Maths by topic problem
- Short Problems
- Interactive maths
- Thinking mathematically
- Online maths games
- UKMT Senior Maths Challenge
- MEI GCSE Problem Solving Guide
Popular Maths literature: The first reading list is from the University of Cambridge and the first three sections would be most relevant, the second, from Nrich is more age-appropriate popular maths book suggestions
Maths articles:
Maths podcasts and videos:
- Plus maths podcasts
- My favorite theorem podcasts
- The secrets of mathematics podcasts
- A brief history of mathematics podcasts
- Women in Math podcasts
- Animated Math videos
- Numberphile videos
Some films that involve maths:
- The Man Who Knew Infinity, 2015
- X + Y, 2014
- Hidden Figures, 2016
- Gifted, 2017
- Fermat's Room, 2007
- A Beautiful Mind, 2001
- Good Will Hunting, 1997
- The Imitation Game, 2014
- Travelling Salesman, 2012
Looking forward to seeing you,
Abbey College Sixth Form Maths Department