Course Choices Video

Why study Core Maths?

The ‘Core Maths’ qualification is designed to better prepare students for the mathematical demands of study, employment and life. It will develop students’ ability to think mathematically, logically and analytically and will build skills in applying maths to new problems and issues.

The Core Maths initiative is a major part of the government’s plan to increase participation and raise standards in mathematics. The course has been developed with employers, universities and professional bodies as valuable preparation for university study and employment.

Core Maths will maintain and develop students’ real-life mathematical skills. The study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life and includes a financial mathematics element. Studying Core Maths will also support other A-level subjects – in particular science, geography, business studies, psychology and economics.

What are the careers or further education that this course be suitable for?

The skills developed in the study of mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help you keep up these essential skills. Most students who study mathematics after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning potential.

Key Information Summary:

Course Title

Mathematical Studies

Examination Board

AQA

Linear Qualification?

Yes

Course Webpage

AQA | AQA Certificate | Level 3 Mathematical Studies | Specification at a glance

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 or above in GCSE mathematics

Contact Teachers

Miss Covey: lcovey@wilmslowhigh.com

Course Details:

The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills you will have acquired studying GCSE mathematics with a sharper focus on problem solving skills by considering and tackling mathematics in meaningful contexts. The core areas studied are financial applications of mathematics, critical analysis of data and estimation as well as the optional units including further statistical techniques, critical path and risk analysis and graphical techniques. All of which can support work in other subjects.

AQA Mathematical Studies is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of Year 12 and attracts the following UCAS tariffs:

Grade

A

B

C

D

E

UCAS points

20

16

12

10

6

Subject Content:

Compulsory Content

Additional Content may include

· Analysis of data

· Maths for personal finance

· Estimation

· Critical analysis of given data and models (including spreadsheets and tabular data)

· The normal distribution

· Probabilities and estimation

· Correlation and regression

OR

· Critical path analysis

· Expectation and cost benefit analysis

OR

· Graphical methods

· Rates of change

· Exponential functions

Assessment details:

Paper 1

Paper 2

What is assessed?

Compulsory Content:

Analysis of data

Maths for personal finance

Estimation

Optional Content:

Paper 2A: Statistical Techniques
OR
Paper 2B: Critical path and risk analysis
OR
Paper 2C: Graphical Techniques

Examinations details

1 hour 30 minutes written paper
60 marks
Scientific calculator allowed
Copy of Preliminary Material available in advance and a clean copy of Preliminary Material to be provided in examination room
Formulae sheet available
No optional questions

Key Points:

  • This course if for students who have not chosen to do A-level maths and a have achieved GCSE grade 5 or above.
  • Taught over one year (in Year 12) with the assessment at the end of the year.
  • Taught over 2/3 lessons a week.
  • This course is a good option to be taken alongside BTEC courses or 3 A-levels as it can help to support your learning in other subjects.
  • (Please note that this course is offered to all students who have reached the entry requirements however it is not always possible to guarantee a place due to challenges with timetabling).