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Presentation for parents / carers

These slides form an approximately 20-30 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

Important questions
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?

What is covered in A level Mathematics?

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.
Year 12

Year 13

AS level
Maths

Core 1

Core 2

Applied
Unit 1

A level
Maths

Core 1

Core 2

Applied
Unit 1

Core 3

Core 4

Applied
Unit 2

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 http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/FSMA%20Chinese%20postman%20problems
%20student.pdf)

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 1

Core 2

Applied
Unit 1

A level
Maths

Core 1

Core 2

Applied
Unit 1

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

Scores in AS Units are

counted again as part
of the A-level
qualification.
Core 3

Further
Pure 2

Core 4

Applied
Unit 2

Applied
Unit 5

Further
Pure 3 or
Applied
Unit 6

Applied Units cover statistics,

mechanics or decision mathematics

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
university courses

range of

lead to a versatile qualification that is

wellrespected 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 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 www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elizabeth-trusson-support-for-maths-and-science-teaching)

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 dont need
maths at A level.
Most careers that require maths A level are maledominated.

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

What are the career opportunities?

There is a huge shortage of people
with STEM skills needed to enter the
workforce.
There are many new applications
of mathematics in technology:

Ironclad Games Corporation Vancouver, BC.

Games Design
Internet Security
Programming
Communications

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 has the largest group of

mathematicians working
anywhere in the country!

GCHQ

What are the career opportunities?

Other areas include
Business
Logistics, Traffic
Planning, Project
Management,
Consultancy
Finance
Actuarial Work,
Accountancy,
Banking, Financial
Modelling

Medicine
Dentistry, Pharmacy,
Doctors, Nursing
Statistics
Medical Statistics, Market
Research, Government Policy
Advice
Teaching/Lecturing
Law

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 EPQs 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
universitys 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 www.ucas.ac.uk for
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.

The FMSP website has further advice

on studying A level Mathematics and
Further Mathematics, enrichment
resources for students and
information on applying to university.

To find out more visit www.furthermaths.org.uk

Other sources of information

The mathematics teachers at your school
FMSP website www.furthermaths.org.uk
Maths Careers website www.mathscareers.org.uk
Future Morph careers website www.futuremorph.org
Best course 4 me www.bestcourse4me.com
Tomorrows Engineers www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk