Core Mathematics

What is Core Mathematics?

A two year Level 3 course that is designed to support students who would not normally choose to study A Level Mathematics but who need, or want, to study Mathematics further.  This is a 180 guided hour course over two years and has UCAS point allocation.

Why study Core Mathematics?

Core Mathematics has been designed to maintain and develop real-life skills.  What you study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life and most courses will include a financial mathematics element.

It will also help with other A Level subjects – in particular Science, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology and Economics.

The skills developed in the study of Mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education.  Studying Core Mathematics will help you keep up these essential skills.  On average, students who study Mathematics after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning prospects.

What makes a successful Core Mathematics student?

Hard work, creative thinking and some talent for Mathematics.

To study this course, what qualifications will I need and in which subjects?

You will need a GCSE Grade 4 or above in Mathematics.

What can I expect to study?

The content has been designed in consultation with other A Level subject specialists, universities and representatives from the industrial and service sectors.  You will study a range of applied topics that are designed to support Level 3 subjects requiring additional mathematical knowledge and skills.  Some specimen examination papers are available for you to view and below are a few of the areas of study. Core Mathematics is a relatively new course but already several universities have come out in strong support of it. Subjects such as History now recognise the importance of statistics and so a Core Mathematics qualification will support your university application.

Financial Mathematics using mathematics in everyday financial situations such as budgeting, forecasting, interest and return, currency and applications to support other A Level and Specialist Qualification subjects.

Probability and Statistics including evaluating risk, statistical modelling and methods including applications to support other A Level and Specialist Qualification subjects, using the statistical problem solving cycle, including hypothesis testing.

We will study some of the topics from AS Mathematics to support more difficult ideas from your chosen A Level courses such as logarithms, exponential change and statistical techniques.

Employers from all different sectors are also firmly supporting the Core Mathematics qualification and many roles in today’s workplace require high levels of budget management and problem-solving skills, which Core Mathematics will equip you with.