Transcript Title

the Further Mathematics network
www.fmnetwork.org.uk
the Further Mathematics network
www.fmnetwork.org.uk
What Universities, Professional
Institutions, Awarding Bodies
and Students are saying about
Further Maths
Let Maths take you Further…
Universities and Further Maths
University of Bath, Mathematics: "Bath wishes to allow access to its
mathematics courses to applicants who are only able to take a single A
level in mathematics and will continue to make offers to good candidates
in this category. Nevertheless we would like to encourage applicants to
take Further Mathematics at A or AS levels if possible, and to similarly
encourage the taking of Advanced Extension papers or STEP papers.
There are two reasons for this. Firstly, having studied a wider mathematics
curriculum and having attempted more demanding questions is an
undoubted advantage in the transition to university mathematics.
Secondly, it is very hard to assess an applicant’s real
mathematical potential from a single mathematics A level in
which nearly 40% of students currently get an A grade. In many
cases an applicant’s university place depends on their grade in Biology or
Physics or English etc whereas we would prefer a better measure of
mathematical ability.
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Birmingham, Mathematics:
Further Mathematics AS/A2 is not a
requirement, but study of it is seen as an
advantage. The University is prepared to be
more flexible with students who have studied
Further Mathematics but not met the
standard offer.
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Bristol, Computer Science:
"Further Mathematics at AS or A2-level is
also desirable, especially for the Mathematics
and Computer Science course."
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Cambridge
Mathematics: Varies according to college, but is preferred in most
colleges, and essential in some. See link:.
http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/maths/r
equirements.html
Engineering: Further Mathematics is strongly preferred as a third
A-Level in most colleges. See link:
http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/admissions/guide/table1.html
Computer Science: Further Mathematics is preferred in most
colleges. See link:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/comps
ci/requirements.html
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Essex, Mathematics: "Are
you taking Further Mathematics A-level? If
you are, then, if you put Essex as your firm
UCAS choice, and you obtain a B or A grade
in Further mathematics, then we give you
£250 after two weeks at Essex! This award is
in addition to any scholarship, and is not
affected by grades obtained in other
subjects."
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Leeds
Mathematics: "Our offers are generally in the range
of 300-340 points from three GCE or VCE A-levels,
with an A in A-level Mathematics.
If you get an A in A-level Mathematics and an A in Alevel Further Mathematics, we will guarantee you a
place (subject to 5 GCSEs including English at
grade C or above)."
For more information please see:
http://www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/school/undergraduate/
Universities and Further Maths
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London School of Economics, Actuarial
Science: "Usual standard offer: A level:
grades A A A, one of which must be
Mathematics. Further Mathematics is highly
desirable."
Universities and Further Maths
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Oxford University
Further Mathematics is recommended for Computer
Science, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer
Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics
and Statistics.
Further Mathematics is considered helpful for
Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science and
Physics.
In addition many courses recommend the study of
Mechanics modules.
For more information please see:
http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/enreq.shtml
Universities and Further Maths
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Queen Mary, University of London
Mathematics:"We run a flexible admissions
policy and tailor our offer to match your
educational background. We normally accept
one grade lower in A-level Mathematics (or
equivalent) if you have also passed AS or Alevel Further Mathematics."
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Reading
"In my experience, students who have taken Further Maths are
much better prepared for university study of any degree
programme which has a significant mathematical content,
including mathematics, engineering and economics. In terms of
exposure to important mathematical concepts, support for core
mathematics, improvement in general mathematical skills and
maturity, together with the enhanced ability to study
independently, Further Maths students definitely have an
advantage over regular A level students."
Dr Paul Glaister
Department of Mathematics, University of Reading
www.maths.rdg.ac.uk/
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Sheffield:
Mathematics: Offers range from AAB BBB/ABC. A grade C in Further Mathematics
might count as equivalent to a grade B in a
non-mathematical subject.
Universities and Further Maths
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University of Southampton
Mathematics: "Our Mathematics degree programmes are
designed so that they can be taken by applicants who are only
able to take a single mathematics A level: many of our students
fall into this category, and nearly all of them do very well.
Nevertheless we would very much like to encourage applicants
to take further mathematics at either A or AS level and, if
possible, to also take Advanced Extension or STEP papers. We
find that students who have taken these extra qualifications
handle the transition from School to University mathematics
particularly well. Our admissions policy is always flexible, but if
you don't quite make our offer then having taken further
mathematics is normally seen as an advantage.
Our advice to applicants is - if you can't do further mathematics
then don't worry, but if you can - then do it! "
Universities and Further Maths
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University College London
Mathematics: "It should be emphasised that we
have been accepting students with a single
Mathematics A level for many years. Due to the
demanding nature of our courses however, the
department would strongly encourage all
prospective students, if possible, to study Further
Mathematics GCE A level, or at least AS level
Further Pure Mathematics, Mathematics AEA or
STEP. This will be taken into account when
considering any application. "
Universities and Further Maths
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The University of Warwick
Mathematics: "Most applicants for taking A-Level and AS-Level
examinations will receive 2 or 3 of the following four offers Grade A in Maths A-Level, Grades A, B in two other A-Levels
PLUS a Grade 2 in a Mathematics STEP or AEA (Advanced
Extension Award) Paper.
A grades in Maths and Further Maths A- Levels, grade B in one
other A- Level, and grade a in one other AS- Level;
Grade A in Maths A-Level, grade a in Further Maths AS- Level,
and grades A in two other A-Levels.
Grade A in Maths A-level and grades A, A, B in three other Alevels."
Universities and Further Maths
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University of York
Computer Science: "Inevitably, it will be an advantage to have
taken two A-levels in Mathematics, and many of our entrants will
have done so. We encourage it, but we do not require it. Leaving
aside the question of requirements for admission, we would in
any case encourage applicants to take two A-levels in
Mathematics: after the long-term changes that have taken place
in the content of A-level Mathematics, taking the double A-level
will ensure that you have a good basis on which to build.
The comments above, concerning double Mathematics, also
apply if you are taking one-and-a-half A-levels in Mathematics.
That is, an extra AS-level in Further Mathematics will always be
an advantage. Also, we can often count a grade A in AS-level
Further Mathematics in your favour if your main A-level
Mathematics grade falls slightly short of our requirements."
Professional Institutions
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The Confederation of British Industry
"We welcome the increased numbers of young people studying
maths at AS and A level - and encourage them to go on to study
maths and mathematics-related degrees. However, we need to
increase still further the numbers studying maths and further
maths in order to meet the skills challenges ahead. Demand for
jobs with Science, Engineering and Technology skills is set to
grow by 2.4 million by 2014 – and all these jobs require maths
skills. Highly numerate disciplines are in great demand from
employers – young people with maths qualifications will find that
their degrees can open doors to exciting and rewarding careers."
Susan Anderson, Director HR Policy, CBI
Professional Institutions
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Engineering Council UK
"ECUK strongly supports the work of the Further
Mathematics Network. By offering increased
opportunities to students to take Further Maths at
AS and A2 levels, it will help make them better
prepared to enter degree courses in engineering.
Furthermore by offering high quality professional
development for teachers it will enhance the totality
of learning and teaching in Mathematics."
Andrew Ramsay, Executive Director,
Engineering Council UK
Professional Institutions
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Engineering Professors' Council
"Mathematics is one of the essential tools of the engineer in the
21st Century. The EPC is thus committed to ensuring that the
study of mathematics is available to all those students able to
benefit. We have witnessed with growing concern the gradual
restriction in the range of applicable mathematics covered in the
A and AS level syllabus in recent years, leading to a worrying
lack of mathematical fluency among many entrants to
engineering degree courses. The EPC applauds the work the
Further Mathematics Network has carried out todate in
supporting mathematics teachers, and endorses the current drive
to extend the coverage of mathematics "
Professor Tony Unsworth, President, Engineering
Professors' Council
Professional Institutions
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The Institution of Engineering and Technology
"The Institution of Engineering and Technology commends the
Further Mathematics Network for the support that it is providing
to both students and teachers of further mathematics and its aim
of ensuring that the subject is available to everyone who wishes
to take it. Most engineering degree courses will require A levels
in mathematics and physics, but those who also take further
mathematics will find that the additional knowledge and skills will
serve them well when they move on to Higher Education."
Steve Wells Curriculum Officer, Education 5-19, The
Institution of Engineering and Technology
Professional Institutions
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Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
"AS and A Level Further Mathematics are valuable
qualifications which give added insight into how
mathematics develops and why it is useful. The
Further Mathematics Network is an important
initiative which will ensure that all learners in
England have the opportunity to take the subject;
the IMA supports it fully."
Vanessa Thorogood, Education Officer, Institute
of Mathematics and its Applications
Professional Institutions
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London Mathematical Society
"The MEI Further Maths Network is to be
complimented on the great work that it has done to
further the cause of Further Mathematics in
particular and mathematics in general. This has led
to a significant rise in the number of students doing
Further Mathematics, with advantages both in
widening participation into subjects with a high
mathematical content and, in the long term,
contributing to the future of British science,
technology and industry."
Professor Chris Budd, Education Secretary, The
London Mathematical Society
Professional Institutions
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The Mathematical Association
"The Mathematical Association strongly supports the work of the
Further Mathematics Network. It is immensely important to give
all students who take mathematics at A level the opportunity to
do an AS or A level in Further Mathematics and to help it be seen
as both a valuable additional qualification and an opportunity to
extend their mathematical background. We welcome also the
way in which the project will raise the profile of the subject
generally throughout the country and actively encourage a wider
range of students to enjoy and extend their studies in
mathematics."
Doug French, President 2006-07, The Mathematical
Association
Professional Institutions
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Institute of Physics
"Physics and mathematics are essential
requirements for entry to a physics degree. Good
supplementary subjects include another science,
such as chemistry or geology, and further
mathematics, either to AS or A-level. Further
mathematics is particularly useful preparation for
courses in theoretical and/or mathematical physics,
which have a more sophisticated mathematical
content."
Professor Peter Main, Director, Education and
Science, Institute of Physics
Professional Institutions
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The Royal Statistical Society
"The Royal Statistical Society welcomes the establishment of the
Further Mathematics Network. It is wonderful that everyone
studying advanced-level mathematics should now have access
to Further Mathematics topics. The Society is particularly pleased
that it gives opportunities to engage in further study of statistics
and other applied mathematics topics; this is especially important
now that the possibilities of doing so within A-level Mathematics
are very limited."
Gerald Goodall, Director of Education and Professional
Affairs, The Royal Statistical Society
Awarding Bodies
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AQA
"The study of Further Mathematics brings a greater
breadth and depth to a student’s mathematical
experience, leads to highly regarded qualifications
and positively benefits further study beyond A
level. AQA wishes to actively promote the study of
Further Mathematics and fully supports the work of
the Further Mathematics Network in achieving this
aim."
Neil Buckley MBE, Chair of Examiners, GCE
Mathematics, AQA
Awarding Bodies
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Edexcel
"Edexcel is fully committed to widening
participation and so welcomes and fully
supports the work of the Further Mathematics
Network in promoting Further Mathematics
and making it available to more learners. "
Keith Pledger, Mathematics Chair of
Examiners, Edexcel
Awarding Bodies
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OCR
"OCR welcomes, and fully supports, the work
of the Further Mathematics Network in
promoting Further Mathematics "
OCR
Students
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"I enjoyed the course and it helped consolidate my decision to
study maths at university. The distance learning taught me study
skills which proved helpful in the transition from school to
university and in some respects I felt better prepared for
independent study than students who had been able to take
further maths at their own schools. Its structure mirrors quite
closely the lecture-tutorial system at some universities. The
universities to which I applied were interested in and impressed
by my participation in the course. It helped to develop my
understanding of the subject, as well as my belief in my own
ability and gave me the self confidence to make my successful
application to Oxford. I would recommend it to anyone."
Lily Gibbs
Students
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"FM was the highlight of my day. It was very much
enjoyable, and we had a whole load of fun.
FM persuaded me to go to university to do Maths,
and I am currently at the University of Leicester
doing an MMath course. I've just begun my second
year, and I found regularly in my first year that
aspects of Maths that we'd gone through in FM had
come in as priceless during my first year on the
degree. "
Adnan Vohra
Students
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The Further Maths Course was the best thing I did in the Sixth
Form. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study
Further Maths when I was in year 12 and went on to complete
both years of the course. I found that the course not only gave
me an advantage over other students when applying for
university places but it also really helped my understanding of
Maths and made everything on the A Level Maths course seem
so much easier.
Wednesday afternoons at Warwick Uni were great. I made some
great friends through the course who I still speak to regularly.
They’re all at uni and are really enjoying it. The Further Maths
course is hard work but well worth it."
Jenny Kenning
Students
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"Due to the great distance between Formby and
Manchester, not many lessons could be arranged.
At first I thought that this may be a problem but I
was mistaken. The teachers were great. In just one
visit I would be taught what would have taken weeks
in a normal class. The availability of the teachers to
answer questions and help with any problems was
also very good. Someone was always available by
phone or e-mail whenever I needed them."
James Thompson
Students
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"Having done full Further Mathematics Alevel in one year, I found it is a really
challenging course. It is not easy, I have to
say; but it is a really good way of improving
your way of thinking. If you want to prove that
you have more talent than other students, do
it, and you will find your way of proving
yourself!"
Luo Yu Wei
Students
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This course has been really beneficial to me, not
least because it gave me the opportunity to learn
Further Maths which, unfortunately, was unavailable
to me at my college and also that it has enabled me
to achieve a higher standard in Maths. It is different
from other methods because it depends on selfstudy rather than taking notes in class. The MEI site
has been particularly helpful as students can access
it at any time and of course my tutor has always
been available to help and assist."
Varunjay Ahluwalia