St Edward's A Level Guide 2026

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Edexcel

Further Maths extends the mathematical concepts covered in the standard Mathematics A Level, delving deeper into calculus, complex numbers, matrices, differential equations, and mathematical proof. It provides a significantly more rigorous and comprehensive understanding of the subject, enhancing problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities and, as such, should only be considered by the strongest mathematicians. Studying Further Maths demonstrates academic rigour and a passion which can significantly strengthen university applications, especially for mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science courses. It showcases your willingness to challenge yourself academically, setting you apart from other applicants. The course is very intense, challenging, intellectually stimulating and rewarding. It forces you to think creatively, develop abstract reasoning skills, and explore the elegance and beauty of mathematics. It fosters persistence, resilience, discipline, and a wealth of highly transferable skills applicable to various fields and careers (such as engineering, finance, data science, and cryptography) beyond mathematics; employers value individuals who can systematically and logically approach complex problems.

This A-Level allows you to delve deeper into mathematics, prepare for university-level studies, gain a competitive edge in university applications, develop valuable skills, expand career options, and experience the intrinsic rewards of mathematical exploration. You may only take this course in addition to A Level Maths (which will be taught in the first two terms of the Lower Sixth) and, subject to a successful internal assessment after the Easter break, you will move on to the Further Mathematics content at that point.

The Casio CG100 graphical calculator is used throughout the course and is a fundamental part of our teaching.

We require those wishing to take Further Mathematics to have a level 9 at IGCSE and have obtained a top grade in the Extended Maths Award course, or equivalent, in Fifth Form.

The course is assessed at the end of the Upper Sixth with the following examinations:

COMPONENT

ASSESSMENT

CONTENT

Core Mathematics

• Two 1½ hr

• Proof • Complex Numbers • Hyperbolic Functions • Differential Equations • Matrices

examinations

Option Paper 1

Take one of the following four options: • A: Further Pure Mathematics 1

• One 1½ hr examination

• B: Further Statistics 1 • C: Further Mechanics 1 • D: Decision Mathematics 1

Option Paper 2

Take one of the following seven options: • A: Further Pure Mathematics 2

• One 1½ hr examination

• B: Further Statistics 1 • C: Further Mechanics 1 • D: Decision Mathematics 1 • E: Further Statistics 2 • F: Further Mechanics 2 • G: Decision Mathematics 2

ST EDWARD’S OXFORD

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