Many people who are avid fans of Mathematics always express their concern with A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. There are some remarkable differences between them. One of which is related to the extent of their difficulty. Hence, In this article we are going over the main questions about A-Level Further Maths. – “How Hard Is A Level Maths Compared To A Level Further Maths?” Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be able to make a rational decision about whether or not to take this subject.

 

1. What to expect on A Level Math? 

 

A Level (Advanced Level) Mathematics is a qualification of further education traditionally taken by 17-18 year-old pupils in the United Kingdom and some occasionally other countries. 

 

1.1. The mathematical fields on A Level Maths

 

To get A-Level Maths qualification, you need to attend an A-level two-year course which is broken up into 4 main areas of study including Core Maths Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths.

  • Core Maths Module (C1, C2, C3, C4) is generally related to algebraic methods, solving equations, graphs of functions, series, differentiation and integration methods
  • Mechanics Module (M1, M2, M3) is in regard to the ảea of physics and mathematics. It works out the movement of physical objects and the relationship between force, mass, and motion. 
  • Statistics Module (S1, S2, S3) deals with data that is collected from surveys and models the data to suit numerous mathematical models to help answer questions. 
  • Decision Module (M1, M2) helps solve many real life, practical problems. 

 

1.2. Modules Available in A Level Maths course

 

Although the content of modules might vary depending on the exam board you apply, there is a typical breakdown raised in this article. More specifically, modules available comprise C1, C2, C3, C4, S1, S2, S3, M1, M2, D1, D2. It should be noted that C1, C2, S1, D1 have been accompanied with AS Level Maths. Hence, C2, C3, C4, S2, S3, D2 are designated as A Level Maths 

During the first year of A Level Maths course, most students take 3 modules including 2 compulsory modules in Core Maths (C1, C2) and one more in Statistics (S1) or Mechanics (M1) or Decision Maths (D1) so as to get an advanced supplementary award (AS). If you aspire to get an A-Level (A2) award in maths, you need to continue your studies and take another 3 modules. 

You are required to opt for common combinations of 6 modules in A Level Maths including the four Core Maths modules (C1, C2, C3 and C4) with the remaining two being taken from Mechanics, Statistics or Decision Maths.

  • For instance, if you prefer Statistics, you may choose: Core Maths (modules C1, C2, C3, C4) + Statistics (modules S1, S2)
  • For example, for those aspire study mainly Mechanics may opt for: Core Maths (modules C1, C2, C3, C4) + Mechanics (modules M1, M2)
  • There are some other combinations of 6 modules being taken that you can take into account: Core Maths (modules C1, C2, C3, C4) + Statistics (module S1) + Mechanics (module M1)or Core Maths (modules C1, C2, C3, C4) + Statistics (modules S1) + Decision Maths (module D1)

Take note: Your choice will depend very much on what the school or college can offer. 

 

1.3. The main examination boards 

 

The main examination boards for A Level Maths includes Edexcel, OCR and AQA.

 

1.4. A Level Math examination 

 

Since summer 2019, A Level Maths has been a linear specification, thus, all examinations will be taken at the end of the course, with no separate coursework. In this article, we introduce A Level Paper adopted by Pearson and Edexcel to you. More specifically, at the end of whole course, there are three equally weighted exams as follows: 

  • Paper 1: All questions regarding pure maths topics will be completed within 2 hours. 
  • Paper 2: All questions regarding pure maths topics will be completed within 2 hours. 
  • Paper 3: All questions on mechanics and statistics will be completed within 2 hours. 

 

1.5.  A Level Maths Entry Requirements

 

If you grade at 4-9 or above in a minimum of five GCSEs including English Language, you will be eligible for A Level Maths. In case you do not gain a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths,  you will be required to study GCSE Maths alongside your A Levels.

 

2. What is A-Level Further Math? 

 

In the United Kingdom, A- Level Further Mathematics is concerned with a 2-year course of advanced secondary mathematics taken in addition to the standard mathematics AS-Level and A Level Math courses. 

is further maths a level hard
A-Level Further Maths is a 2-year course

Those who have a real love of mathematics and have taken A Level Maths might suit A-Level Further Maths. Moreover, A Level Further Maths is also highly recommended for those wishing to study for degrees related to mathematics, engineering, physical sciences or computing at university. Strikingly, A Level Further Maths qualification is commonly accepted as an appropriate certificate for entry to almost any career or degree course.

There is significant overlap between A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. More specifically, over the two-year of A Level Further Maths, you will study some pure maths modules, which may comprise many new topics compared to A Level Maths such as complex/imaginary numbers, matrices, proof by induction, differential equations and polar coordinates. 

 

2.1. The content of A Level Further Maths

 

You might find  the content of A Level Further Maths has similarities to A Level Maths because Further Maths broaden ideas from A Level Maths. If you are enroll in a Further Maths course, you will study: 

  • Pure Maths (50%): Further Pure topics are involved in complex numbers -which are based on the imaginary number “i” and lead to lots of new areas of Maths – and matrices which are an array of numbers representing transformations, but also solve simultaneous equations.
  • Statistics (25%): Further Statistics enforces and extends the applied Maths met in the standard A-Level.
  • Mechanics (25%): Further Mechanics reinforces and enlarges the applied Maths met in the standard A-Level.

 

2.2.  Modules available in A Level Further Maths course

 

If you take a 2-year A Level Further Maths, you will take 12 modules C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, FP2, FP3, S1, S2, S3, M1, M2.

Actually, if you have already completed or studied for an A Level in Mathematics, you have the opportunity to enroll in an A Level Further Mathematics course requiring you to take a further 6 modules to hold a second qualification. It should be noted that Further Maths will ask you to take a minimum of two Further Pure Modules, one of which must be FP1, and the other either FP2 or FP3. Further Pure Modules are simple extensions of the four Core Modules in A Level Maths. 

 

2.3.  The exam on A Level Further Maths

 

  •  Year 1: You are required to pass two exams and both of which are 1 hour and 40 minutes long. More specifically, one paper focuses on pure maths and the other on applied maths regarding statistics and mechanics. 
  • Year 2: You need to pass four 90-minute examinations in which two papers focus on pure maths, one focuses on statistics and one focuses on mechanics. 

 

2.4. The requirements of the A Level Further Maths Admission 

 

You will qualify for A Level Further Math if you have: 

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4–9, including English and Maths. 
  • A grade 8 in Maths and study A-level Maths. 

 

3. How Hard Is A Level Maths Compared To A Level Further Maths?

 

From the information mentioned above, you might find A-Level Further Maths is considered harder than A Level Maths. With A Level Further Maths, you will begin to study roughly the same content as the Maths A Level. However, you will study with the increased amount of content at a significantly faster pace to help you extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A-level Maths.

Hence if you extremely enjoy mathematics, let’s challenge yourself and take a chance to explore new and/ or more sophisticated mathematical concepts and applications with A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. 

 

4. Why study A-level Maths and Further Maths?

 

People typically benefit from studying A- Level Maths and Further Maths. More specifically, they will have an excellent choice of careers and education, many of which involve very well-paid and decent professions or fulfilling degrees. 

In a nutshell, “A Level Further Maths seems harder than A Level Maths” is the proper answer for the questions raised at the beginning of this article- “How hard is A Level Further Math compared to A Level Maths?” Hopefully, you might find numerous helpful information regarding A Level. Let’s take A Level Maths Practice Test right now!