Mathematics with Mechanics - Castle Sixth Form

Double Mathematics
(FAST TRACK MATHS WITH FURTHER MATHS)
Exam Board: AQA Mathematics

Why Study Further Mathematics?

Further Mathematics is particularly useful for anyone wanting to study Mathematics, Engineering or Physics to a higher level. Due to the aims and the Further Pure Mathematics and Decision Mathematics content, it can lead on to a wide range of degree courses leading to research work. Some universities require it for Mathematics courses.

What does this course consist of and how will it be assessed?

This course is aimed at exceptionally able mathematicians who have achieved A* at GCSE.

It is taught in 7 lessons per week (2 more than are usually allocated to just 1 A level). These extra two lessons are taken from the enrichment programme. Students should be prepared for a fast pace and have the ability to work independently.

What do I need to know or be able to do before choosing this subject?

You should thoroughly enjoy mathematics and be following the Higher Level GCSE course. To have a good chance of success you should gain a grade A* at GCSE.

You should discuss the possibility of following this course with your Mathematics teacher.

The aims of this course are to encourage candidates to:

Further develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment.
Further develop their abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs.
Further extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems.
Recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and mathematical models.
Acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations

Students may study Double Maths as one of their four AS courses. Students will study for 2 AS levels in the first year (Maths and Further Maths) which can be continued to A2 in the second year. We have divided the two year course in to four parts as follows:

September to December – Year 12
Pure 1
Pure 2
Statistics or Mechanics 1

Any student who decides to drop down to ‘Single Maths’ will be able to move to the corresponding group in the same Option Block with no loss of continuity.

January to July – Year 12
Further Pure 1
Mechanics 1 or Statistics 1, Decision 1
Students who successfully complete Year 12 will achieve two AS grades, one in Mathematics and one in Further Mathematics.

At the end of Year 12, we hope students will decide to continue with Double Maths. However, if any decide to move to single Maths, then, as above, they will move to the corresponding single Maths group in the same Option Block, with no loss of continuity.

For those who continue into the A2 year:

September to December – Year 13
Pure 3
Pure 4
Statistics 2

January to May – Year 13
Further Pure 2
Further Pure 3
Mechanics 2
Students who successfully complete Year 13 will achieve two A level grades, one in Mathematics and one in Further Mathematics.