Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics

A Level Further Mathematics (OCR A)

Aims

OCR’s A Level in Further Mathematics A will encourage learners to:

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in ways that promote confidence, foster enjoyment and provide a strong foundation for progress to further study

• extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques

• understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected

• apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general

• use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearly

• reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning

• generalise mathematically

• construct mathematical proofs

• use their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems which require them to decide on the solution strategy

• recognise when mathematics can be used to analyse and solve a problem in context

• represent situations mathematically and understand the relationship between problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve them

• draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions

• make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical reasoning

• interpret solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively in the context of the problem

• read and comprehend mathematical arguments, including justifications of methods and formulae, and communicate their understanding

• read and comprehend articles concerning applications of mathematics and communicate their understanding

• use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, and recognise when such use may be inappropriate

• take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

 

Assessment

In Y12, students will complete A Level Mathematics (OCR MEI B) – The assessment overview of this can be found on the mathematics subject page. In Y13, students will be studying the Further Mathematics aspect of the course, this consists of 4 Papers.

Pure Core 1 & 2 (Y541 & Y542)	Mechanics (Y543)	Statistics (Y542)
learners will extend and deepen their knowledge of proof, algebra, functions, calculus, vectors and differential equations studied in A Level Mathematics. They will also broaden their knowledge into other areas of pure mathematics that underpin the further study of mathematics and other numerate subjects with complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates and hyperbolic functions.	learners extend their knowledge of particles, kinematics and forces from A Level Mathematics, using their extended pure mathematical knowledge to explore more complex physical systems. The area covers dimensional analysis, work, energy, power, impulse, momentum, centres of mass, circular motion and variable force.	learners will explore the theory which underlies the statistics content in A Level Mathematics, as well as extending their tool box of statistical concepts and techniques. This area covers probability involving combinatorics, probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables, hypothesis tests and confidence intervals for a population mean, χ-squared tests, nonparametric tests, correlation and regression.
Examinations: Externally assessed 90 minutes 75 marks Each paper contributes to 25% of the total qualification

 

 

Assessment Objectives

Students Must:		% in GCE
AO1	Use and apply standard techniques • select and correctly carry out routine procedures;  • accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions	49-51
AO2	Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically • construct rigorous mathematical arguments (including proofs); • make deductions and inferences; • assess the validity of mathematical arguments; • explain their reasoning; • use mathematical language and notation correctly.	21-24
AO3	Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts • translate problems in mathematical and non-mathematical contexts into mathematical processes; • interpret solutions to problems in their original context, and, where appropriate, evaluate their accuracy and limitations; • translate situations in context into mathematical models; • use mathematical models; and • evaluate the outcomes of modelling in context, recognise the limitations of models and, where appropriate, explain how to refine them.	26-29
Total    100%