McAuley Sixth Form » Subjects » Core Maths (1 year AS only)
Core Maths (1 year AS only)
New Specification What does this mean?
Core Maths. Core Maths entries rising year on year! This shows the usefulness and value of the qualification.
Why choose AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)?
Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) is a new qualification designed for students who have achieved a grade 5 or above at GCSE but who have not chosen to study AS or A level Mathematics.. It is available as an AS only and is studied in one year.
Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. It supports courses such as A-level Psychology, Sciences and Geography as well as technical and vocational qualifications.
This is valuable preparation for the quantitative skills you will need for many degree courses, particularly subjects such as psychology, geography, business-related courses, sports and social sciences, and natural science courses that do not require AS/A Mathematics.
It is a good option for students who wish to continue their study of mathematics without taking on the mainstream full A level course.
The course is relevant to real life, modern, accessible to students and applies to all careers.
Back to topWhat I will learn in Year 12 and how it will be assessed
This is taught as a one year course. There are a number of different Core Maths courses. All Core Maths qualifications include:
interpreting solutions in the context of the problem
understanding sources of error and bias when problem-solving
working with data
understanding risk and probability
understanding variation in statistics
using exponential functions to model growth and decay
Most Core Maths qualifications also include:
percentage change
interpretation of graphs
financial maths
using standard units
Fermi estimation
the Normal distribution
correlation, knowing it does not imply causation
making and evaluating assumptions when modelling or problem solving
Paper One - 90 minutes, 60 marks, 50% of assessment
This is the compulsory part of the course.
- Analysis of data
- Maths for personal finance
- Estimation
- Analysis of data including spreadsheets and tabular data
Paper Two - 90 minutes, 60 marks, 50% of assessment
EITHER Statistical Techniques (the normal distribution, probabilities and correlation)
OR Critical Path Analysis (including expectation and cost benefit analysis)
OR Graphical Techniques (including rates of change and exponential graphs)
No coursework.
Back to topHow I will learn?
You will learn through:
• teacher-led exposition;
• use of graphical calculators and spreadsheets;
• online support material; independent learning.
All students are welcome and encouraged to attend weekly intervention sessions. They run from the first week all the way until the end of year exams.
Back to topRelated Degrees
Students will learn and apply real-world maths skills which will be useful in a wide range of future courses and careers.
‘Reduced offers’ eg University of York: If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. This applies to a wide range of courses including: Biology, Business and Management, History of Art, Midwifery Practice, Music, Philosophy, Social Work
Also, the University of Sheffield announced that: From September 2019, if we offer you a place on certain courses with a GCSE Maths requirement, and you’re taking a Core Maths qualifications, we’ll make you an alternative offer equivalent to one A Level grade below the standard entry requirements for your course, subject to you achieving a specific grade in Core Maths.
Related careers
Almost two million people now work in jobs in the UK where mathematical /science qualifications are essential. Nationally around 50% of people who work in jobs where mathematical/science qualifications are essential earn £29,000 or more.
If instead you look at jobs where mathematical qualifications are irrelevant, then only 9% of people earn over £29,000. Some of the most common roles which mathematical sciences graduates entered include actuaries, economists, statisticians, management consultants, business analysts, science and technology professionals, programmers, software developers, financial analysts and teaching and research professionals.