Maths & Further Maths
A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics are highly respected qualifications that can open a wide range of future opportunities. Students who choose to study Maths at this level are often seen as high achievers with strong problem-solving skills.
Click on the links below to find out more about each. See also free videos to assist the transition from GCSE to A level Maths.
A Level Maths
A-Level Mathematics
A-Level Mathematics is a highly respected qualification that can open a wide range of future opportunities. Students who choose to study Maths at this level are often seen as high achievers with strong problem-solving skills.
However, A-Level Maths is demanding and requires commitment, independence, and resilience. You should expect to complete at least five hours of independent study each week outside of lessons. A willingness to tackle challenging problems, learn from mistakes, and try again is essential for success.
Year 1 Mathematics
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Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (internal exam in June)
Written examination: 2 hours 66.66% of the qualification 100 marks.
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Content overview:
Proof, Algebra, Binomial, Coordinate Geometry in the (x,y) plane, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Vectors
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Paper 2: Statistics & Mechanics (internal exam in June)
Written examination: 1 hour 33.33% of the qualification 50 marks
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Content overview Section A: Statistics Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing. Section B: Mechanics Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newtons laws. |
Year 2 Mathematics
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Paper 1 and 2: Pure Mathematics 2 written examinations: 2 hours each 33.33% of the qualification 100 marks each paper.
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Content overview: Proof, Functions and Graphs, Radians, Sequences and series, Parametric equations, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods, Vectors. |
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Paper 2: Statistics & Mechanics Written examination: 2 hour 33.33% of the qualification 100 marks
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Content overview Section A: Statistics Regression, correlation and hypothesis testing, conditional probability, normal distribution. Section B: Mechanics Forces and friction, projectiles, application of forces, further kinematics, moments. |
Methods of teaching and assessment
Teaching will be delivered by two specialist teachers, with one responsible for Pure Mathematics and the other for Applied Mathematics. These components will be taught concurrently throughout the course. Teachers will provide structured support for independent study and will set appropriately challenging questions to extend understanding and promote academic progress beyond students’ comfort zones.
At the end of year 13 you will sit 3 papers – 2 based on year 12 and 13 content of Pure Mathematics and the final paper on applied mathematics which will cover the statistics and mechanics aspect of the course
Where could it take me?
Mathematics is highly valued by universities and is a prerequisite for a wide range of degree programmes. It is recognised as a ‘facilitating’ subject by Russell Group universities, meaning that studying Mathematics at A Level supports access to a broad range of higher education pathways. Mathematics provides a strong foundation for opportunity and leads to many intellectually rewarding and well-remunerated careers. Fields such as finance, medicine, engineering, and business all place significant value on applicants with a background in Mathematics.
How can I prepare?
A range of resources is available to support the transition from GCSE to A Level Mathematics. Students are expected to continue engaging with Mathematics over the summer holidays, including reviewing key topics such as quadratics, indices, and graph transformations. Additional transition materials are available to assist with this process, including the CGP Head Start to A Level Mathematics resource.
Reading list
For year 1 the following textbooks will need to be purchased ahead of studying
Further Maths
A Level Further Mathematics is a highly regarded qualification that provides access to a wide range of academic and career opportunities.
Students who choose to study Further Mathematics are recognised for their exceptional mathematical ability and commitment. However, Further Mathematics is a demanding course that requires a high level of self-motivation and independent study. Students are expected to complete a minimum of seven hours of work outside the classroom each week. A strong enthusiasm for challenge is essential, along with the resilience to learn from mistakes and persist with difficult problems.
Year 1 Further Mathematics
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Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics (internal exam in June)
Written examination: 1 hour 40 66.66% of the qualification 100 marks.
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Content overview: Complex numbers, Argand diagrams, Series, Roots of Polynomials, Volumes of revolution, Matrices, Linear Transformations, Proof by induction, Vectors |
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Paper 2: Further Mechanics and Further Pure Written examination: 1 hour 40 33.33% of the qualification 50 marks |
Content overview Section A: Further Mechanics Momentum and impulse, work, energy and power, elastic collisions in one dimension. Section B: Further Pure Vectors, Conic Sections, Inequalities, Numerical Methods |
Year 2 Further Mathematics
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Paper 1 and 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2 written examinations: 1 hour 30 minutes hours each 50% of the qualification 100 marks each paper |
Content overview: Complex numbers, Series, Methods in calculus, Volumes of revolution, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Methods in differential equations, Modelling in differential equations. |
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Paper 3 and 4: Further Pure and Further Mechanics Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 100 marks
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Content overview Section A: Further Pure Vectors, Conic sections, Inequalities, Numerical methods, Taylor series, Methods in calculus, Reducible differential equations. Section B: Further Mechanics Momentum, Work Energy & Power, Elastic Strings & Springs, 2-D and 3-D Collisions |
Methods of teaching and assessment
Teaching will be delivered by two specialist teachers, with one responsible for Core Pure Mathematics and the other for the two optional units. These components will be taught concurrently throughout the course. Teachers will provide structured support for independent study and will set suitably challenging questions designed to extend understanding and encourage students to work beyond their comfort zones.
At the end of Year 13, students will sit four examination papers: two assessing Core Pure Mathematics from both Year 12 and Year 13, and two assessing the applied components, covering Further Pure Mathematics and Further Mechanics.
Where could it take me?
A Level Further Mathematics is highly valued by universities and is a prerequisite for a wide range of mathematics-based degree programmes. It is recognised by Russell Group universities as a facilitating subject, as studying Further Mathematics at A Level supports access to a broad range of higher education pathways. Further Mathematics is typically studied by some of the most academically able students in the country and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging A Level qualifications.
Further Mathematics provides a strong foundation for intellectually demanding and well-remunerated careers. Areas such as finance, engineering, and business place significant value on advanced mathematical skills, with specialist roles such as quantitative trading representing particularly competitive and rewarding career pathways for students with Further Mathematics expertise.
How can I prepare?
A range of resources is available to support the transition from GCSE to A Level Further Mathematics. Students are expected to continue developing their mathematical skills over the summer holidays, including reviewing key topics such as quadratics, indices, and graph transformations. Additional transition materials are available to support this preparation, including the CGP Head Start to A Level Mathematics resource.
Reading list
For year 1 the following textbook will need to be purchased ahead of studying
