Backwell School Sixth Form Course Guide

Core Mathematics (Level 3 equivalent to AS Level, AQA) Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification to be taken alongside your other three A Level subjects. The course is aimed at students who want to develop their mathematical skills beyond GCSE. Core Maths focuses on using and applying maths to solve meaningful problems drawn from other subjects, work, and real life. Students will learn how to critique information presented to them in news articles or journals and learn how data can be used to mislead people, as well as a focus on financial maths, including working with exchange rates, interest rates and taxation. The Core Maths course includes new content such as statistics, financial maths, the use of spreadsheets for optimisation and making sensible estimates in real life scenarios. Core maths will support students learning in other subjects as there is some overlap in the skills learned. Specifically Core Maths will help students’ performance in: Applied Science, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Physics, Psychology, Sociology Entry Requirements: GCSE grade 4 in maths Course Content

Exam

%

When?

Content

Paper 1: (1.5 hours)

50% June of Year 12

Estimation Data analysis Interpreting graphs and charts Financial maths: AER and APR, mortgages, income tax, national insurance, student finance, inflation, budgeting.

50% June of Year 12

Critical analysis Statistical techniques: Probability, confidence intervals, correlation and regression

Paper 2: Statistical techniques (1.5 hours)

Costs associated with this course Classwiz calculator fx-991CW at £20 Career Links

Universities recognise the benefits students gain from taking Core Maths, which will not only support their university studies, but also their future career and employment. Some universities will even make alternative offers for students with a Core Maths qualification. In terms of UCAS tariff points, Core Maths has the same number points as an AS level qualification and therefore contributes to the overall UCAS points required for university admissions. The problem-solving skills developed during this course are valuable for further study, training or employment. For more information please contact Mrs Manson or Miss Morris

30