1. Why study Mathematics?

2. Post-16 Mathematics options
Core Maths
Elective
A level Mathematics
A level Further Mathematics

3. Who studies Mathematics?
Engineering at Cambridge Physics/Maths at Dublin
Maths at Oxford

4. Who studies Mathematics?

5. What is the Core Maths Elective?
For those who want to keep up their valuable maths skills but not taking or A-level maths or further maths.
Could lead to a level 3 qualification – similar to an AS – if continued in Year 13.
Supports other A level subjects – geography, sciences, psychology, economics …..
Develops ability in mathematics for university study, and/or employment – employers are asking for this!!

6. 170 students study maths in Year 12
A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys.
170 students study maths in Year 12
140 students are study maths in Year 13

7. AS/A level Mathematics entries

8. Entries for A level subjects 2015
Mathematics is now the most popular A level subject in the UK

9. What is covered in A level Mathematics?
A level Mathematics is a mix of two-thirds pure (core) mathematics, and one-third applications of mathematics.
The core units cover topics such as algebra, graphs, sequences, calculus and trigonometry.
Students study applied topics in Mechanics and Statistics.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. A-level Maths Three exams – each 2 hours long
Structure of exams still being agreed by exam boards and Ofqual
No coursework
Two teachers, teaching 4 lessons per week.
All exams at end of Year 13.
Internal exams at end of Year 12. Mocks in Year 13.

13. Why study Maths A level?
provides a stimulating and challenging course;
develops key employability skills - 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.

14. What are the career opportunities?
“Maths is the only A level proven to increase earnings in later life - by an average of 10%.”
(Source

15. 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.

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

17. A level Maths and degree courses
Degree subjects
% of students starting courses with A level Mathematics
Computing
50%
Economics
69%
Chemistry
71%
Biology
38%
Psychology
13%
Geography
20%
Business & Management
Sociology 4%

18. Exemplar Entry Requirements
ABB-BBB including Mathematics and Chemistry. Other recommended subjects include Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, IT/Computing and Biology. Swansea University (Chemical Engineering degree) Our courses require three A-levels at AAB/AAA including Maths and either Physics, Electronics or Further Maths Manchester University (Electrical engineering degree)

19. Exemplar Entry Requirements
Typical Offer: A*AA. In exceptional circumstances we may make a slightly lower offer (typically AAA)
Mathematics at grade A or above.   
Preferred subjects:  Apart from Mathematics there are no other essential requirements.  We prefer traditional A level subjects.  Further Mathematics is highly desirable
Last year, besides Mathematics and Economics the top 5 subjects taken by successful candidates were:  Further Mathematics 25%, Physics  23%, History 12%, Chemistry 12%, Geography 11%
University of Bath (Economics degree)

20. Exemplar Entry Requirements
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
Southampton University (Chemistry degree)

21. University entry requirements
Look at the entry requirements on the individual university’s website for the degree subjects that you might be interested in.
In some cases a qualification in Mathematics or Further Mathematics will reduce the grades required for entry to a degree course in a related subject.
Look at for
additional information.

22. Other sources of information
Your mathematics teachers
FMSP website
Maths Careers website
Future Morph careers website
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Best course 4 me
Tomorrow’s Engineers
The Institute of Physics (IOP)

23. A2 and AS maths grades in 2016 A* A B C D E U Total 77 26 20 9 10 3
145
A2 maths 31 54 19 13 8 4 1
130

24. What is Further Mathematics?
Further Mathematics is an additional A level qualification taken alongside the usual A level mathematics course.
The FM A level here will add more pure maths (eg complex numbers), more statistics (perms and coms) and more mechanics (work, energy and power).
It is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians and prepare them for university courses in mathematics and related quantitative and scientific subjects.
If you are really good at maths and are thinking of studying maths, computer science, physics, engineering or economics at a top university, then you should study Further Maths.

25. Why? Further maths broadens and deepens the maths covered.
It introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers.
These can be vital for maths-rich degrees in areas such as sciences, engineering, statistics, economics and computing as well as maths itself.
You will study more maths that’s relevant to your university course to give you a head start.
Some prestigious universities now require a further maths qualification or prefer students who have studied further maths.

26. A level Further Maths and degrees
Degree course
% of students starting course with A level Further Mathematics
Mathematics
60%
Physics
36%
Engineering
23%
Computer Science
12%
Economics
15%
Finance
21%

27. AS/A level Further Mathematics entries

28. 170 students study maths in Year 12 60 study further maths in Year 12
A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys.
170 students study maths in Year 12
60 study further maths in Year 12
140 students are study maths in Year 13
40 study further maths in year 13

29. A-level Further Maths Four exams – one hour 30 min each
Structure of exams still being agreed by exam boards and Ofqual
No coursework
3 teachers, teaching 8 lessons per week for two A levels
All exams at end of Year 13.
Internal exams at end of Year 12. Mocks in Year 13.

30. A2 and AS maths grades in 2016 A* A B C D E U Total 77 26 20 9 10 3
145
A2 maths 31 54 19 13 8 4 1
130 AS
further 33 48 A2 5 2