Core Maths (Additional Study)

Subject Intent

Course Overview:

“When will I ever need this?” – the question that maths teachers and students always argue over. Well in Core Maths, this question is never asked by students, because the entire course is fully applicable to everyday life and everyday jobs.
Core Maths is intended for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or better, but who have not chosen to study AS or A level Mathematics. It can be studied in a single year or over a two-year period and can be taken alongside A levels or other qualifications, including vocational courses.
Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. This is valuable preparation for the quantitative skills they 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.

Course Structure: 

Core Mathematics is split into two parts:

• Compulsory content – students will mainly study personal finance, looking at wage slips, taxes and different expenses. The main mathematical focus in this part of the course is using and applying percentages.
• Optional content – Statistical Techniques. Students look at comparing sets of data with correlation and regression, which builds on the GCSE module of scatter graphs. Students are introduced to the highly important and applicable Normal Distribution.

Although we normally select Statistical Techniques, the optional content can be replaced with Critical Path Analysis or Graphical Techniques, and dependent on the cohort, we can tailor the course specifically.

Progression Opportunities:

Core Maths is relatively new, but entries are growing rapidly. Many universities have shown their support for Core Maths, as it would be useful preparation for a degree course, in a similar way to EPQ, for students looking for a more accessible option. The applicability of this course is vast, particularly for careers in finance, data analysis and entrepreneurship.