Further Mathematics A Level

Applications Open - 1st November 2025

Applications Close - 15th December 2025

Entry Requirements - Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points from their best six GCSE subjects or equivalent (in the view of the School).

• Points will be on a 1-9 point scale, where Grade 1=1 and 2=2 etc.

• Candidates must also obtain at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent (in the view of the School).

Candidates must meet the specific requirements for each A Level course they wish to study as published in the 2025 Sixth Form Prospectus, which will be available on the website.

How to Apply - Do not apply through Kent Choices. Please apply via Cranbrook School Website using the following link: https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/admissions/sixth-form-admissions/

Note that this course can only be taken in conjunction with the AS and A2 Mathematics courses.

September 2017 marked the first teaching of the new Further Mathematics for AS and A2, an exciting new course that extends the learning of the Mathematics AS and A2 and allows students to gain a broader knowledge: excellent in particular for those wishing to pursue a career relating to the subject. This is a challenging course and a passion for the subject is necessary – along with sound GCSE results. Typically we have between 15 and 20 students study Further Mathematics each year. We have chosen to follow the Edexcel Further Mathematics course for AS and A2, students wishing to take either level will be in the same class with some students finishing after year 12 exams. Those wishing to complete the full A2 in Further Mathematics will sit all exams at the end of year 13. Students will select either the AS course or the A2 course – not 1 followed by the other.

The AS course (Examinations June 2019) will comprise of 2 papers.

Paper 1: Further Pure Mathematics, 50%, 1 hour 30 minutes.

Topics include: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further Calculus, Further vectors.

Paper 2: 2C Further Mechanics*, 50%, 1 hour 30 minutes.

Topics include: Momentum and Impulse, Collisions, Centres of mass, Work and energy, Elastic strings and springs.

The A2 course (Examinations June 2020) will comprise of 4 papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes long.

Paper 1: Further Pure Mechanics 1, 25%

Topics include: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further Calculus, Further vectors.

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2, 25%

Topics include: Complex numbers, further algebra and functions, Further Calculus, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations.

Paper 3: 3A Further Pure Mathematics 3*

Topics include: Further Calculus, Further differential equations, Coordinate systems, further vectors, Further numerical methods, Inequalities

Paper 4: Further Mechanics 1*

Topics include: Momentum and Impulse, Collisions, Centres of mass, Work and energy, Elastic strings and springs.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are selected options; this is not a compulsory module but one we have selected as a school with the priorities of our students in mind. This is subject to change from year to year but gives an indication of our choice for 2017 – 2019.

A level 8/9 would be highly beneficial to students wishing to take this course. It is required that students have at least a level 7 although these students should spend some time after GCSE examinations reviewing level 8/9 algebra in preparation for the course. It would be advantageous, but is not compulsory, to have complete a further course in Mathematics such as the FSMQ or the AQA level 2 iGCSE

You could take this course with the Advanced GCE in mathematics to support entry to higher education in areas of mathematics, and related areas such as Electronics, Economics, Physics or more general higher education courses. This course is especially useful for undergraduate mathematics or joint mathematics courses. The course also helps you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the economic and engineering sectors.