Core Mathematics

At Beverley Joint Sixth Form we offer Core Mathematics as an enrichment option. The content will be taught at BHS, with 2 hours of in-class study a week. At the end of the two-year course, students will achieve a Level 3 qualification – with equivalent UCAS points to an AS level.

Core Maths is a qualification for students who would like to continue studying Mathematics but are not planning on studying A Level Mathematics. This may be because they do not meet the entry requirements for A Level Maths or because they need to choose other A Levels to meet the entry requirements for the university course they are aiming for

Core Maths builds on GCSE Mathematics, with a sharper focus on problem-solving skills. Students will consider and tackle mathematics in meaningful contexts, including through financial applications and statistical ideas. It is designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematics skills; what students will study can be applied on a day-to-day basis whether in further study or employment. Core Maths focuses on using and applying mathematics to address authentic problems drawn from study, work and life. It helps to develop valuable life skills which will aid students in understanding information and making better informed decisions.

Studying Core Maths can also support other A Level courses such as Psychology, Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, Music and Geography.

We will be studying the AQA (1350) specification which is examined by sitting two papers at the end of the course. The first paper comprises of data analysis, mathematical finance, mathematical modelling and estimations. At Beverley Joint Sixth Form we study statistical techniques. This means the second paper includes critical analysis, probability, the normal distribution, correlation and regression; but also expects students to draw on the mathematical concepts of the first paper.

2 written exams

GCSE Mathematics 5.

Informed Choices, A Russell Group guide to making decisions about post-16 education, says that: “…universities value mathematics skills for many different degree courses and many have GCSE or equivalent requirements. Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills can be useful for a wide variety of undergraduate degrees, and a Core Maths qualification may help you to improve and maintain these skills, especially if you are not taking AS or A-level Maths/ Further Maths.”

More than twenty leading universities have endorsed the Core Maths qualification since it equips students with the mathematics skills that are required for many degree courses from humanities to social sciences. Most of these universities state that, although Core Maths is rarely included in the conditions of any offer made to potential students, they welcome it, recognise its value and can take it into account when considering applications.

Additionally, employers from a range of sectors are also firmly behind the qualification. Many roles in the workplace require high levels of budget management and problem-solving skills and Core Maths will be a useful tool in equipping you with these skills. Core Maths has received wide endorsement and recognition from employers such as Nestlé, Barclays, CrossRail, McDonalds, the British Chambers of Commerce and many others.