Why Offer Further Mathematics?

Why should schools and colleges offer Further Mathematics?

Students planning to take degrees with significant mathematical content (this covers a very wide range of academic areas - Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., as well as Mathematics itself) will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS level.

Further Mathematics is not just for the top A level Mathematics students, especially at AS level. AS Further Mathematics is accessible to any student capable of passing A level Mathematics.

Further Mathematics qualifications are very highly regarded by university departments in these mathematics-rich subject areas.  Some prestigious university courses will not accept students without Further Mathematics qualifications and many others will give students with Further Mathematics qualifications preferential offers.  Please see www.furthermaths.org.uk/universities.php.

There are many very good reasons to offer Further Mathematics:

Progression to university (and beyond)

• It makes the transition to the mathematical elements of mathematics-related university courses easier.
  
• For students who are not the highest-fliers at A level Mathematics, but who wish to pursue a degree in sciences, engineering, finance or computing, as well as mathematics itself, studying AS Further Mathematics in year 13 is an excellent option; it is likely to improve their A level Mathematics grade, as well as introducing them to new topics that they will find useful for their degree courses.
• If you do not offer Further Mathematics (either on your timetable, or through the Further Mathematics Network), your students will be unable to access some prestigious university courses.
  
• Studying Further Mathematics helps students to achieve their best possible A level Mathematics grade, by consolidating and reinforcing their standard A level Mathematics work.

Supporting gifted and talented students

• Overwhelmingly, students taking Further Mathematics find it to be an enjoyable, rewarding, stimulating and empowering experience.
  
• For high-flying A level Mathematics students it enables them to distinguish themselves as able mathematicians in the university and employment market .
  
• For students who enjoy mathematics, it provides a challenge and a chance to explore new and/or more sophisticated mathematical concepts.  

Retaining able students

• High flying GCSE students may be tempted to change school/college for their AS/A levels if your school does not offer Further Mathematics.

Raising the profile of mathematics in the school/college

• Offering Further Mathematics raises the profile of Mathematics across all year groups and often has a positive impact on performance in mathematics across the whole school.