Core Mathematics

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

• Continue your studies and experience of mathematics beyond GCSE

• Explore real world applications of maths, including financial calculations such as income tax, inflation, mortgages and loans

• Develop the increasingly important skill of critical analysis of data

• Recognised and highly regarded by universities

• Gain a qualification equivalent to an AS level in UCAS tariff points

• Fits in well with subjects such as Accounting, Biology, Geography, Psychology, Business Studies and Economics, or as a standalone qualification to broaden and enrich your Level 3 studies

This course will be taught in a group with two teachers. You will be expected to make an active contribution to whatever you are working on, whether it be a group-based or solo based piece of work: assignments will include both written work and research. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and share their research with the group.

.This is a one year course and will be assessed at the end of the academic year.

Exams

• Two exams, 1 hour 30 minutes each

• Both exams allow use of a calculator

• Preliminary material released on 1 March

• Qualification is graded from A – E

GCSE Grade 5 in Maths

There has been a tremendous amount of coverage in the Media recently about the UK’s gap in basic maths skills. Only 20% of students study maths beyond GCSE in the UK – the lowest rate in leading developed countries in the world. This puts young people in the UK at a major disadvantage in a global job market. An investigation into the mathematical and statistical requirements in undergraduate disciplines, reported that many students arrive at university with unrealistic expectations of the mathematical and statistical demands of their subjects which leads to a lack of confidence and anxiety by the students. This course has been introduced to address these issues.