Description
The International A Level Further Mathematics course will build on knowledge from the A Level Mathematics course. Learners either complete A Level Mathematics first or take both courses alongside one another.
The course will develop the skill of working with mathematical information. It will also give learners the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically and analyse results.
Progression
International Advanced Level qualifications enable successful progression to higher education courses in mathematics and many other subjects, and onto employment. Through our world-class qualification development process we have consulted with higher education stakeholders to validate the appropriateness of these qualifications, including content, skills and assessment structure.
Cambridge Specification
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Cambridge Course Code: 9231
Cambridge Exams: June and November
Cambridge Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
This syllabus is intended for high ability learners who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, a high grade in the A Level Mathematics examination. Knowledge of the whole content of the Cambridge International A Level Mathematics syllabus is assumed. Learners will find that the additional time spent studying Further Mathematics will support their understanding of A Level Mathematics.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Further Mathematics Cambridge course?
The aims of this course are to enable learners to:
- further develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment
- develop a greater understanding of mathematical principles and a further appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject
- acquire a greater range of mathematical skills, particularly those which will enable them to use applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and of other subjects they may be studying
- further develop the ability to analyse problems logically
- recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem
- use mathematics fluently as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
- acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study in mathematics or related subjects.
Key Concepts
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Further Mathematics are:
Problem solving
Mathematics is fundamentally problem solving and representing systems and models in different ways. These include:
- Algebra: this is an essential tool which supports and expresses mathematical reasoning and provides a means to generalise across a number of contexts.
- Geometrical techniques: algebraic representations also describe a spatial relationship, which gives us a new way to understand a situation.
- Calculus: this is a fundamental element which describes change in dynamic situations and underlines the links between functions and graphs.
- Mechanical models: these explain and predict how particles and objects move or remain stable under the influence of forces.
- Statistical methods: these are used to quantify and model aspects of the world around us. Probability theory predicts how chance events might proceed, and whether assumptions about chance are justified by evidence.
Communication
Mathematical proof and reasoning is expressed using algebra and notation so that others can follow each line of reasoning and confirm its completeness and accuracy. Mathematical notation is universal. Each solution is structured, but proof and problem solving also invite creative and original thinking.
Mathematical modelling
Mathematical modelling can be applied to many different situations and problems, leading to predictions and solutions. A variety of mathematical content areas and techniques may be required to create the model. Once the model has been created and applied, the results can be interpreted to give predictions and information about the real world.
Cambridge Further Mathematics Content Overview
YEAR 1 – IAS
Further Pure Mathematics 1 (Paper 1)
- Roots of polynomial equations
- Rational functions and graphs
- Summation of series
- Matrices
- Polar coordinates
- Vectors
- Proof by induction
Further Pure Mathematics 2 (Paper 2)
- Hyperbolic functions
- Matrices
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Complex numbers
- Differential equations
YEAR 2 – IA2
Further Mechanics (Paper 3)
- Motion of a projectile
- Equilibrium of a rigid body
- Circular motion
- Hooke’s law
- Linear motion under a variable force
- Momentum
Further Probability & Statistics (Paper 4)
- Continuous random variables
- Inference using normal and t-distributions
- c2 – tests
- Non-parametric tests
- Probability generating functions
Cambridge Assessment
There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Further Mathematics course with Cambridge
- AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
- Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting. In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4). If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Further Mathematics.
- Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).
Exam Papers
Paper 1: Further Pure Mathematics 1
Written Examination: 2 hours
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Further Pure Mathematics 1 subject content
75 marks
Paper 2: Further Pure Mathematics 2
Time: 1 hour 2 hours
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: 7 to 9 structured questions based on the Further Pure Mathematics 2 subject content
75 marks
Paper 3: Further Mechanics
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: 5 to 7 structured questions based on the Further Mechanics subject content
50 marks
Paper 4: Probability and Statistics
Practical examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Further Probability & Statistics subject content.
50 marks
Edexcel Specification
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Specification Codes:
AS in Further Mathematics (XFM01)
A Level in Further Mathematics (YFM01)
Edexcel Exams: January and June (some units will be available in October)
Edexcel Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
Edexcel Further Mathematics Content Overview
Further Pure Mathematics 1
- Complex numbers
- Roots of quadratic equations
- Numerical solution of equations
- Coordinate systems
- Matrix algebra
- Transformations using matrices
- Series
- Proof
Further Pure Mathematics 2
- Inequalities
- Series
- Further complex numbers
- First order differential equations
- Second order differential equations
- Maclaurin and Taylor series
- Polar coordinates
Further Pure Mathematics 3
- Hyperbolic functions
- Further coordinate systems
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Vectors
- Further matrix algebra
Mechanics 1
- Mathematical models in mechanics
- Vectors in mechanics
- Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
- Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
- Statics of a particle
- Moments
Mechanics 2
- Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
- Centres of mass
- Work and energy
- Collisions
- Statics of rigid bodies
Mechanics 3
- Further kinematics
- Elastic strings and springs
- Further dynamics
- Motion in a circle
- Statics of rigid bodies
Statistics 1
- Mathematical models in probability and statistics
- Representation and summary of data
- Probability; correlation and regression
- Discrete random variables
- Discrete distributions
- The Normal distribution
Statistics 2
- The Binomial and Poisson distributions
- Continuous random variables
- Continuous distributions
- Samples
- Hypothesis tests
Edexcel Assessment
All AS Level candidates take three written papers, they have one compulsory unit, and choose two additional units.
Compulsory Unit
Further Pure Mathematics 1 (FP1)
Optional Units
Further Pure Mathematics 2 (FP2)
Further Pure Mathematics 3 (FP3)
Mechanics 1 (M1)
Mechanics 2 (M2)
Mechanics 3 (M3)
Statistics 1 (S1)
Statistics 2(S2)
All A Level candidates take three written papers, they have two compulsory units and choose four additional units.
Compulsory Units
Further Pure Mathematics 1 (FP1) and Further Pure Mathematics 2 (FP2)
OR
Further Pure Mathematics 1 (FP1) and Further Pure Mathematics 3 (FP3)
Optional Units
Further Pure Mathematics 2 (FP2)
Further Pure Mathematics 3 (FP3)
Mechanics 1 (M1)
Mechanics 2 (M2)
Mechanics 3 (M3)
Statistics 1 (S1)
Statistics 2(S2)
Exam Papers
FP1: Further Pure Mathematics 1
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January and June
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Further Pure Mathematics 1 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
FP2: Further Pure Mathematics 2
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January and June
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Further Pure Mathematics 1 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
FP3: Further Pure Mathematics 3
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January and June
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Further Pure Mathematics 3 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
M1: Mechanics 1
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Mechanics 1 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
M2: Mechanics 2
Written Examination:
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Mechanics 2 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
M3: Mechanics 3
Written Examination:
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Mechanics 3 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
S1: Statistics 1
Written Examination:
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Statistics 1 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks
S2: Statistics 2
Written Examination:
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the Statistics 2 subject content. Students may use a calculator in this examination.
75 marks