I have always loved working with numbers. Studying Mathematics at GCSE confirmed it but I wanted to challenge myself to take my love of numbers as far as I could go with it. Further Maths is like Mathematics but harder and if you love Mathematics that’s what makes it so enjoyable. Most careers and courses don’t require the skills you need for Further Mathematics but there are also courses and careers which value A Level Further Mathematics as the most highly rated A Level you can do. For example, some engineering courses, finance work and even some computing courses.
Apart from studying for my A Levels I competed in the Right-Angle National Mathematics competition, I took part in Maths Olympiads and and I’ve even helped with the accounts at my local church. I also greatly benefited from Blue Coat’s STEP days. These are organised days when students prepare for the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP); an opportunity for students to meet and work with other students who are planning to take a STEP exam or just enjoy the opportunity to develop higher-level problem-solving skills.
If you’re thinking of studying Further Mathematics A Level, I think you need to be passionate about Mathematics. The level of attention to detail and the type of thinking you need to be able to do is very stretching. If you can think laterally and imaginatively with numbers, it can be a very rewarding course. My advice would be to try and aim for a grade 8 at GCSE Mathematics in order to feel comfortable in taking A Level Further Mathematics.
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Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ. The website address is www.cranmereducationtrust.com and the phone number 0161 785 5082.