Core Maths
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.
- Qualification
- Level 3 Mathematical Studies
- Course length
- One year
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Two papersAssessment at the end of the year
Course introduction
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.
- Course Title
Mathematical Studies
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Course presentation
Entry requirements
Grade 5 or above in GCSE mathematics
Course content
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 (or year 13) and attracts the following UCAS tariffs:
|
Grade |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UCAS points |
20 |
16 |
12 |
10 |
6 |
What you will study
|
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 |
Assessment
|
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
|
|---|---|---|
|
What is assessed? |
Compulsory Content: |
Paper 2A: Statistical Techniques Confidence Intervals Correlation and regression |
|
Examinations details |
1 hour 30
minutes written paper |
|
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 or Year 13) 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).
Future pathways
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.
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.
Miss Covey: lcovey@wilmslowhigh.com