International A Level Further Mathematics Course

International A Level Further Mathematics Course provides you with a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace.

The logic and reasoning skills developed by studying A-level Mathematics make sure the qualification is widely respected even in non-mathematical arenas.

a-level-pure-mathematics-distance-learning

Enrolment Fee:

£595.00

Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout

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

  1. AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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