Delete this slide Presentation for parents / carers  These slides form an approximately minute presentation for parents/carers about the importance of studying Maths and Further Maths at A level.  They can be adapted and used for a presentation to students and/or their parents/carers.  Please add or remove slides to suit your talk/event

Why study Mathematics? A guide for Students, Parents and Carers

 What does A level Mathematics involve?  What is Further Mathematics?  Why should my daughter/son study A level Mathematics?  What are the career opportunities with A level Mathematics?  Is A level Mathematics needed for entry to university degree courses? Important questions

What is covered in A level Mathematics? Year 12Year 13 AS level Maths Core 1Core 2 Applied Unit 1 A level Maths Core 1Core 2 Applied Unit 1 Core 3Core 4 Applied Unit 2  A level Mathematics is a mix of pure (core) mathematics (4 units), and applications of mathematics (2 units).  The Core units cover topics such as algebra, graphs, calculus and trigonometry.  Students study 2 applied units chosen from Decision Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics.

What is Decision Mathematics? Decision Mathematics - finding efficient solutions to real life problems e.g. what would be the most efficient route for delivering post around a network of streets? This topic uses algorithms which are vital in computer science. (Image taken from

What is Mechanics? Mechanics – modelling the physics of the world around us e.g. at what angle should a cricketer aim to hit the ball in order to maximise the distance the ball will travel? Students planning careers in physics or engineering would find mechanics particularly useful.

What is Statistics? Statistics – collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events. e.g. actuaries study statistical information to calculate the risk of a driver of a certain age having a car accident. This information would be used by insurers in establishing the cost of the annual premiums.

What is Further Mathematics?  Further Mathematics is an additional AS or A level qualification taken alongside A level Mathematics.  It is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians introducing new techniques and concepts such as complex numbers and matrices.  It is excellent preparation for degree courses in Mathematics and other mathematical subjects.  A level Further Maths is an additional 6 units of mathematics, at least 2 units of pure mathematics and up to 4 applied units.

Mathematics and Further Mathematics -example plan of a student taking full A levels in both subjects AS level Maths Core 1Core 2 Applied Unit 1 A level Maths Core 1Core 2 Applied Unit 1 Core 3Core 4 Applied Unit 2 AS level Further Maths Further Pure 1 Applied Unit 3 Applied Unit 4 A level Further Maths Further Pure 1 Applied Unit 3 Applied Unit 4 Further Pure 2 Applied Unit 5 Further Pure 3 or Applied Unit 6 Applied Units cover statistics, mechanics or decision mathematics Scores in AS Units are counted again as part of the A-level qualification.

Why study Mathematics A levels? Studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics will:  provide a stimulating and challenging course  develop key employability skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, communication and resilience;  increase knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and their applications  support the study of other A level subjects  provide excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses  lead to a versatile qualification that is well-respected by employers and higher education

Why study AS/A level Maths? The number of students taking mathematics is increasing each year

AS/A level Further Maths entries

Entries for A level subjects 2014 Mathematics is now the most popular A level subject in the UK

What are the career opportunities?

“…what was once the domain of the exceptionally gifted has become the currency of how we live. Maths is the universal language of the modern world - and across every career and every discipline, its importance will only grow. That is why I want to see more girls taking maths…” Elizabeth Truss, previous Education Minister What are the career opportunities?

Maths is the only A level proven to increase earnings in later life - by an average of 10%. (Source truss-on-support-for-maths-and-science-teaching) truss-on-support-for-maths-and-science-teaching What are the career opportunities?

Common Misconceptions  You only do a maths degree to become a maths teacher.  Further Maths is an A level just for students who want to become engineers or physicists.  Unless you plan to do a STEM degree, you don’t need maths at A level.  Most careers that require maths A level are male- dominated.

Mathematics with other A levels A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics can be taken with any combination of A Levels. Mathematics particularly reinforces the work done in  Physics and Chemistry  Biology, Geography, Psychology  Business Studies and Economics  Physical Education

There is a huge shortage of people with STEM skills needed to enter the workforce. There are many new applications of mathematics in technology: Games Design Internet Security Programming Communications © Ironclad Games Corporation Vancouver, BC. What are the career opportunities?

On-going applications in engineering, such as Aircraft Modelling Fluid Flows Acoustic Engineering Electronics Civil Engineering. …and new scientific processes such as modelling populations and Diseases Quantum Physics, Astronomy, Forensics and DNA sequencing. What are the career opportunities?

Financial systems and online purchasing systems are also underpinned by mathematics, relying heavily on online security and encryption. GCHQ What are the career opportunities? GCHQ has the largest group of mathematicians working anywhere in the country!

Other areas include What are the career opportunities? Finance Actuarial Work, Accountancy, Banking, Financial Modelling Statistics Medical Statistics, Market Research, Government Policy Advice Business Logistics, Traffic Planning, Project Management, Consultancy Law Teaching/Lecturing Medicine Dentistry, Pharmacy, Doctors, Nursing

Is A level Further Mathematics just for those who want to be physicists or engineers?  No, AS Further Mathematics is no more difficult than A level Mathematics  Further Mathematics introduces some fascinating new topics.  The “extra” maths has been shown to boost students’ A level Mathematics grades.

Is A level Mathematics needed for entry to university degree courses?  It is important to have strong maths skills for progression to many degree courses at university  A level Mathematics is also essential or desirable for a wide range of degree courses including economics, computing, social sciences and business.  Any student applying to study a degree in a STEM subject should also consider taking Further Mathematics to at least AS level alongside A level Mathematics

University entry requirements Mathematics at Lancaster University  Lancaster University has always encouraged those considering a degree in mathematics, computing, engineering or physics to study A Level Further Mathematics. The Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Lancaster now formally recognises the value of Further Mathematics when making degree course offers.  For entry to degrees in: Mathematics; Mathematics with Statistics; Statistics; or Financial Mathematics; we normally ask applicants taking GCE A Levels to achieve:  AAB at A Level, including Mathematics and Further Mathematics, for those taking A Level Further Mathematics; or  AAA at A Level, including Mathematics, for those not taking A Level Further Mathematics.

University entry requirements Physics at University of Leicester  A-levels We ask for three A-levels, including Physics and Mathematics. MPhys (AAB), BSc (ABB) with an A in either Physics or Mathematics.  Further Maths and Extended Project Qualifications Further Maths and EPQ’s are not a formal requirement for entry onto our course. However, students with a Further Maths A-level or a relevant EPQ often find the transition to University study easier. If you have the opportunity we would certainly encourage you to take Further Maths or an EPQ.

University entry requirements Economics at Cardiff University  Typical offer = AAB One of the A-levels must be in Mathematics at grade B or above Chemistry at Southampton University  A Levels: Our typical offers for students who are studying 3 A-levels are:  ABB for students taking Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics  AAB for students taking Chemistry with at least one other science subject or Mathematics  AAA for students taking Chemistry with no other science subject or Mathematics

University entry requirements  Look at the entry requirements on the individual university’s website for the degree subjects that your son/daughter might be interested in.  In some cases a qualification in Further Mathematics will reduce the grades required in another subject.  Look at forwww.ucas.ac.uk additional information.

My son/daughter loves mathematics – how can they be stretched?  Take Further Mathematics  Participate in the Senior Maths Challenges in the Autumn term  Tackle problems on NRICH website  Study for additional qualifications in mathematics such as AEA, STEP or MAT, which are required for entrance to some leading universities to study mathematics.

The Further Mathematics Support Programme The FMSP aims is to increase the uptake of AS and A level Further Mathematics to ensure that more students reach their potential in mathematics. To find out more visit The FMSP website has further advice on studying A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, enrichment resources for students and information on applying to university.

Other sources of information  The mathematics teachers at your school  FMSP website  Maths Careers website  Future Morph careers website  Best course 4 me  Tomorrow’s Engineers