the Further Mathematics network

Welcome to fmnetwork.org.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it possible to complete an AS-level in Further Mathematics in year 12?

Answer: YES! The awarding bodies have revised their AS-level Further Mathematics specifications to remove dependencies on the A2 aspects of the standard A-level Mathematics. Students can study and complete three modules and be awarded AS-level Further Mathematics in year 12, along side their standard AS-level Mathematics.

Note: It is possible for students to take an AS/A-level Further Mathematics award with one awarding body whilst taking their standard A-level Mathematics with another awarding body. Please contact us for specific details.

Question: Can students take their standard A-level Mathematics with one awarding body and their AS/A-level Further Mathematics with a different awarding body?

Answer: YES. It is possible for students to take an AS/A-level Further Mathematics award with one awarding body whilst taking their standard A-level Mathematics with another awarding body. Please contact Charlie Stripp (charlie.stripp@fmnetwork.org.uk) if you need any more details.

Question: Is it true that Further Mathematics is only for “most able” students?

Answer: NO! Further Mathematics is of enormous benefit to all students who intend to pursue a degree course with mathematical content. Following the recent changes to the structure of AS-level Further Mathematics it is now much more accessible. We believe that at least 25% of A-Level Mathematics students should also take a Further Mathematics qualification. Any student going on to study a mathematics-related degree would be much better prepared having studied Further Mathematics (at least to AS-level). In particular, any student who has not studied Further Mathematics in year 12 and is applying for a mathematics-related degree (Engineering, Sciences, Economics, etc. as well as Mathematics) should seriously consider studying for an AS-level Further Mathematics in year 13. Studying Further Mathematics also generally improves students’ performance in their standard A-level Mathematics.

Question: How did students perfom in the pilot?

Answer: The results from 2004 and 2005 are available:
2004 results from the pilot
2005 results from the pilot

Question: What is the Further Maths Network policy on independent schools?

Answer: All schools and colleges, state or independent, are treated in exactly the same way by the FM network for registration and tuition purposes. Registration with the local Centre is free for all schools, regardless of their status. If an independent school needs tuition they will be charged as for any other schools.

Question: Does the Further Mathematics Network provide any assistance to students preparing for Mathematics AEA and Step Papers?

Answer: Several Further Mathematics Centres have provided informal support sessions for Mathematics STEP and AEA. This is something that the Further Mathematics Network is seeking to expand. If you would like help with STEP or AEA preparation please contact your local Further Mathematics Centre Manager. If they are unable to provide direct help, they may well be able to put you in touch with someone within the Further Mathematics Network who is able to provide support.

Question: How will the new A* in A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics operate?

Answer: These are the key points:

1) A* will be introduced for awards in 2010 (i.e. in most cases for those students starting their AS studies in September 2008).

2) In A level Mathematics, students will need to have grade A overall and an average of 90 or more uniform marks across C3 and C4 to get A* (i.e. a total of 180 marks or more for C3 and C4 combined - the uniform mark score (ums) is the score that appears on their module certificates).

3) A* in A level Further Mathematics requires an A overall and an average of 90 or more uniform marks across three A2 units (i.e. a total of 270 ums or more for three A2 units - this is like all other A level subjects; the A* for A level Mathematics is different because it only requires two A2 units, C3 and C4).