CHRISTOPHER WHITEHEAD
LANGUAGE COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM
WELCOME TO CWLC SIXTH FORM!
MATILDA DONLAN | SIXTH FORM STUDENT
I chose to study Further Maths simply due to my love of maths and wanting to explore new areas of it that had previously seemed unreachable. In a matter of weeks I was already looking at the kind of questions I was answering and realised how quickly I was expanding my knowledge and developing my skills. Out of all my A-levels, it was by far the most interesting. It may seem daunting at the start but you come to love the process of answering such long and complex questions – it’s almost therapeutic.
Even after just the first week of university I have seen how taking this subject has benefitted me greatly and has provided an introduction to almost all aspects of mathematics that I will come across in the first year of my physics degree. The problem–solving skills you develop are incredibly valuable and have been reassuring to possess this early on in my higher education journey.
WHY CHOOSE FURTHER MATHS?
Any student applying to study a degree in a STEM subject should also consider taking Further Mathematics to at least AS level alongside A level Mathematics.
Further maths can be chosen as a third or fourth A or AS level for those who really enjoy and have a flare for maths. It provides a deeper and broader understanding of both pure and applied mathematics. Universities do not necessarily ask students to have a further mathematics qualification, but it is seen as a massive positive for students wishing to study mathematics or maths related subjects such as engineering, physics or computing at university, and to have this qualification puts them at a distinct advantage when studying at degree level. For some university undergraduate courses, a Further Mathematics A level is essential. Although some universities have their own entrance exams such as TMUA, MAT, AEA and STEP, universities will often reduce their offer on the first 3 A levels based on achieving a good further maths qualification.
WHY STUDY FURTHER MATHS AT CWLC?
We have small groups enabling us to provide more bespoke support and we strive to help you to achieve the best results you can. We have a highly qualified, experienced and dedicated team of teachers who collaborate to develop engaging and effective teaching resources. As a consequence, our students get great results.
We run weekly tutorials and we provide excellent on-line resources to aid progress, and regular assessments and follow-up interventions are in place if required.
We offer stretch and challenge problem solving classes in conjunction with Worcester University and the MEI. We know that universities value the super-curricular in their search for the best students and so we offer opportunities including the RITANGLE competition UKMT senior Individual and Team Challenges with the potential to take part in the Kangaroo Challenge. To help you further understand how best you learn and explain these processes, there are opportunities to work with younger, lower school students with their mathematical studies.
WHAT COULD YOU DO NEXT?
Students who have studied Further Mathematics at A or AS level have gone on to Birmingham to study Maths and Physics, Bath to study chemistry and Lancaster to study maths at BSc or Masters level as well as other universities studying a range of courses. One student is currently doing an apprenticeship at the Dysons Institute.