Focus of the Month
October 2015
Sixth Form Open Evenings:
Maths choices beyond GCSE
October is often the time when year 11 students consider their options for year 12. Many who
achieve grade C or better in GCSE Mathematics will now have a wider range of options to continue
to study maths beyond GCSE level, and it is a national priority that more 16-19 year-olds should
study maths to a higher level. If students are undecided about which mathematics course to do in
the sixth form, they should be advised to take the most advanced course they are capable of as this
will keep more options open for them.
We hope this handy summary will help you encourage your students to think not ‘Shall I do maths?’,
but rather ‘Which maths shall I do?’
Core Maths
If your school/college (or the school/college your students will be studying at post-16) offers one of
new Core Maths qualifications, and the student is not planning to study AS/A level Mathematics,
then they should seriously consider this option.
What is a Core Maths qualification?
A Core Maths qualification is a designated type of level 3 qualification designed for those students
who have achieved grade C or better in GCSE Mathematics, but who do not intend to study maths
at AS/A level. These qualifications enable students to strengthen and develop the mathematical
knowledge and skills they have learnt at GCSE so that they can apply them to the problems that
they will encounter in further study, employment and everyday life.
MEI and OCR have jointly developed two of these qualifications:
• Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) Level 3 Certificate
• Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) Level 3 Certificate
There are four other core maths qualifications developed by other examination boards
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When is Core Maths a good choice to make?
A Core Maths qualification is a good choice for all students with a good pass at GCSE who do not
wish to take AS/A level Mathematics. It is particularly relevant for students whose other subject
choices include some use of maths, e.g. A levels in Psychology, Geography, or level 3 qualifications
in vocational subjects such as Construction, Business. Even those students pursuing arts courses
would benefit from taking Core Maths as evidence of competence in applying mathematical thinking
boosts employability in almost all careers.
Core Maths:
• helps students maintain and further develop valuable mathematical skills for university and
employment;
• helps with the mathematical elements of other level 3 courses, including humanities and social
sciences;
• builds valuable skills through an emphasis on mathematical problem solving in real life contexts.
How can I get help with offering Core Maths?
MEI provides CPD to support Core Maths.
Resources for OCR/MEI Core Maths qualifications are available to centres free of charge,
thanks to sponsorship from OCR. MEI Critical Maths resources, relevant to all Core Maths
specifications, are also freely available, thanks to DfE funding.
Presentations about the qualifications and example video lessons are available on YouTube.
The Core Maths roadshow provides students and teachers with a taster of Core Maths at a live
event.
How can I get help with promoting Core Maths to students?
The Core Maths Support Programme provides lots of materials to help you with this.
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AS/A level Mathematics
When is AS/A level Mathematics a good choice to make?
AS/A level Mathematics is a good choice to make for any student who has achieved grade B or
better in GCSE Mathematics (in some cases grade C). It is particularly relevant for those students
taking science subjects and/or those who intend to take a mathematically rich degree or higher
apprenticeship.
AS/A level Mathematics:
•
•
•
•
•
keeps options open for a wide
range of university courses;
is essential for entry to many
degrees including most STEM
courses, medicine, economics and
architecture courses;
supports the mathematical elements
of other A-level subjects;
introduces new ideas, applications
and techniques such as - proof,
calculus, modelling; and
offers more rapid progression for
higher achieving students in Maths.
A level Mathematics entry numbers continue to rise - it’s now the most popular of all A level
subjects.
How can I get help with offering AS/A level Mathematics?
MEI and the Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP), which is managed by MEI, provide
extensive support for teachers of AS/A level Mathematics including: CPD, MEI’s Integral A Level
subscription resources and many other free resources.
How can I get help with promoting AS/A level Mathematics to students?
The FMSP has produced a PowerPoint presentation, Why Study
Mathematics?, for schools and colleges to adapt and use at sixth-form
open evenings, together with accompanying notes.
Other promotional resources for A level Mathematics can be found in the
Resources section on the FMSP website. These include:
•
•
A full-colour leaflet Mathematics: Opening the door to your future
for students with details about A level Mathematics (and Further
Mathematics), together with examples of careers. This can be
downloaded from the FMSP website or copies can be ordered from
the FMSP office.
A handout, Why study A level Maths and Further Maths? for
parents and students.
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AS/A level Further Mathematics
When is AS/A level Further Mathematics a good choice to make?
AS/A level Further Mathematics is a good choice for students who enjoy maths and are intending to
take a degree in maths or other mathematically rich degree, particularly engineering or physics.
AS level Further Mathematics is accessible to any student capable of passing A level Mathematics.
AS/A level Further Mathematics:
•
•
•
introduces more sophisticated mathematical
concepts and can boost students’ marks in
single A level Mathematics;
makes the transition from sixth form to
university courses which are mathematically
rich much easier; and
enables students to distinguish themselves as
able mathematicians in their applications for
university and future employment.
AS/A level Further Mathematics has been one of the fastest growing qualifications over the last 10
years.
How can I get help with offering AS/A level Further Mathematics?
The FMSP provides extensive support to help schools and colleges deliver these qualifications. The
FMSP website provides lots of useful information including details of CPD, enrichment events, and
Further Maths tuition. You can also register with the FMSP for free to receive regular updates and
free access to teaching and learning resources.
How can I get help with promoting AS/A level Further Mathematics to students?
The FMSP has produced a PowerPoint presentation, Why Study Mathematics?, for schools and
colleges to adapt and use at sixth-form open evenings, together with accompanying notes.
Other promotional resources for A level Mathematics can be found in the Resources section on the
FMSP website. These include:
•
A full-colour leaflet Mathematics: Opening the door to your future
for students with details about A level Mathematics (and Further
Mathematics), together with examples of careers. This can be
downloaded from the FMSP website or copies can be ordered from
the FMSP office.
• A handout, Why study A level Maths and Further Maths? for
parents and students.
• A selection of further materials, including posters and videos.
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What happens if a student doesn’t achieve a grade C or better in their
GCSE Mathematics?
Students starting a 16-19 Study Programme who have not achieved GCSE Mathematics grade C or
better must work towards it, either directly or by studying for a stepping stone qualification such as
Functional Skills Mathematics. In addition, those students on full-time programmes who achieved
grade D in GCSE Mathematics must be enrolled on a GCSE Mathematics course.
MEI provides CPD and resources to help providers offering post-16 Maths up to level 2.
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