Mathematical Studies: Core Maths

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Core Maths looks at the methods and techniques needed to analyse real world situations. The course teaches practical skills for personal finance such as the calculation of tax, national insurance and student loan repayments. Students will critically analyse data presented in the news for accuracy, bias and information as well as using graphs to describe and analyse real-life situations.

Graphical Techniques is a one-year course that complements subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Economics and Computer Science. Statistical Techniques is a one year course that complements subjects like Psychology, Geography and Biology.

What will I study in Mathematical Studies: Core Maths?

Your course has two papers, each with 3 key sections.
Paper 1:
Data Analysis: Calculating averages and measures of spread, and the use of graphs.
Personal Finance: Calculating income tax and national insurance on a payslip, loan interest rates and repayment plans.
Fermi Estimation: How to make a rough guess at a problem by making estimates, e.g. how much water is in the world's oceans?

Paper 2 (Statistics):

Critical Analysis: Reviewing sources of information for evidence, bias, and badly presented statistics.
The Normal Distribution: A probability model widely used in the real world.
Correlation and Regression: Accurately calculating Lines of best fit on a scatter graph, and just how strong a correlation is between variables.

Paper 2 (Graphical Analysis):

Critical Analysis: Reviewing sources of information for evidence, bias, and badly presented statistics.
Graphs: Sketching and plotting graphs and using graphs to find and interpret approximate solutions to problems.
Rates of change: Using the gradient of lines and curves, including average speed and acceleration.
Exponential growth and decay: Exponential graphs, the number e and using the logarithms function on your calculator.

Entry Requirements

At least five GCSEs from the core subjects including Grade 5 in Mathematics, either from the higher or foundation syllabus. Whilst you will be familiar with some of the content if you have studied GCSE higher, this isn’t compulsory.

How will I learn?

You will have two 90 minute lessons a week with your teacher. We will work through the material from paper 1 from September to December, and paper 2 from January to March. There will be frequent homework and class tests throughout the year. There are past papers available to help with your revision. There are two exams in May. In March, the college will receive preliminary materials for the exam. These are data tables and newspaper extracts on which some questions in your exam will be based.
There is no coursework in this course.

How will I be assessed?

There are two 90 minute exams, taken in May, which will determine final grade. We will use in-class tests and homework to track your progress through the year. There is no coursework for this course.

Any trips?

Are there any costs involved?

For the Stats pathway, you will need to purchase a Casio fx-991CW Classwiz calculator. These can be purchased from the college shop for around £24.00, or are available from other places such as Amazon.
FX-991CW (casio.co.uk)

For the graphical pathway, a scientific calculator that allows you to calculate mean and standard deviation such as the FX-83GT CW (Black) (casio.co.uk) will suffice, but the above calculator is also valid.
Otherwise, you will need standard maths stationary: pen, pencil, ruler and paper.
All students will be issued a textbook from the library - there is no need to purchase a textbook. A few workbooks are available from the library; you may wish to buy your own copy if you would like to write on your own.

The College offers a generous bursary scheme which may be able to assist with some of these costs. More information can be found on our website under Financial Support.

FAQs

How long does the course last?

The course is one year long. You will complete this in your first year, leaving you free to focus on your other subjects in your second year.

Will the course help my university application?

The course gets the same number of UCAS points as an AS qualification. Some university programs may give lower offers to students for some courses if the student has studied Core Maths.

Should I study A-level Maths or Core Maths?

It depends on where your strengths are.
A-Level Maths is far more algebraic and abstract. It focuses on solving equations, covering topics like calculus and trigonometry which can be helpful for further study in fields like Physics, Computing, Engineering and Maths. The course is two years and has higher entry requirements. A-Level Maths is a good complement to A-Level Physics, Computing and Chemistry.

Core Maths is more applicable to everyday life. It focuses on areas like personal finance and critically analysing information from the media. The course has less algebra and far more number work.

Core Maths (Statistical Techniques) is a good complement to A-Level Geography, Psychology and Biology. Core Maths (Graphical Techniques) is a good complement to A-Level Chemistry, Physics and Economics.

There is also Higher GCSE Maths, if you would like to improve your GCSE grade, such as to meet requirements for a University or A-Level course. This covers a wider range of topics (Geometry, Algebra, Numbers and Data Handling) but will be familiar from your school work.