AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies / Core Maths (half A Level equivalent)
Mathematics is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping you with the right skills to reach your future destination, whatever that may be. Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) is a new 1 year qualification designed for students who have achieved a grade 5 or above at GCSE. It helps to develop your mathematical skills and thinking and supports courses such as A Level Psychology, Sciences and Geography as well as technical and vocational qualifications.
Key information
Mathematics / Full Time / A Levels and Equivalent
Why choose this course?
Throughout the course you will learn many new mathematical techniques and apply them to a variety of practical situations. Studying Core Maths will support the study of several other subjects, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Psychology, Sport, Economics, Engineering, IT and Business Studies.
What will I learn?
The Core Maths course will extend some of the key ideas from GCSE Mathematics such as coordinate geometry, statistics and algebra. You will also meet material that may be new to you such as logarithms, functions and finance.
You will use the core material to solve practical problems and find out about some of the background stories behind the ideas. You will extend the quantitative methods and data handling work from GCSE Mathematics as well. Much of this material will seem familiar such as probability, data presentation and interpretation, although you will take the ideas further. You will also learn about statistical distributions and graphical techniques.
The initial part of the course will follow similar content to A-level Mathematics and there will be a possibility at the start to switch to the two-year A-level course if it is deemed more appropriate.
You will need a scientific calculator and your tutor will be able to advise you as to which model is more appropriate. For the start of the course the calculator that you used for GCSE Mathematics is suitable.
At the end of the first year, you will sit two papers in Level 3 Mathematical Studies.
Information and Support
Your success in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. At the end of the year you will complete a qualification in Level 3 Mathematical Studies. This course has the same UCAS points as AS Mathematics.
You will have weekly homework tasks, which form a key part of your learning. It is important that you read the feedback that your tutor provides and that you do any follow up work recommended.
You will have regular tests carried out in class, generally one each half term but more frequently at the start of the course.
You will have access to exam papers, mark schemes and online worked solutions through the college Sharepoint site. You will review your own performance in one-to-one discussions with your tutor, be given a mock examination for each paper that you will be sitting and be examined via written examinations, taken at the end of each year in May or June.
Workshops and drop-in support sessions are available for all Mathematics students. We will encourage you to read widely and conduct your own research into topics that interest you. We will also direct you towards websites that you may find interesting or useful.
Where will it take me?
A qualification in Level 3 Mathematical Studies is valued by many universities and employers. Level 3 Mathematical Studies will be desirable if you are thinking of going on to study courses in subjects such as Computing, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Geography, Psychology or any of the Sciences at degree level.
What will I need?
The minimum requirement is at least grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.
Additional Information
Awarding Body - AQA
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk