Mathematics, Core Mathematics
Core Mathematics complements and supports core subject choices as well as providing life and employability skills.
Core Mathematics
The qualification that Core Mathematics follows was developed by the government in response to concerns from universities and employers that students who didn’t continue with mathematics after their GCSE examinations were not prepared for continuing education or employment.
What does the course involve?
The focus is on applied mathematics – there is no algebra or trigonometry. Everything is put into context and applied to real life examples.
Core Mathematics could be described as numerical critical thinking and the lessons are designed to equip students to make good decisions whenever numbers or data are involved.
Topics include:
- Financial Mathematics
- Modelling
- Probabilities
- Collecting and Analysing Data
- Finding Patterns in Data
An example question might be ‘Work out the income tax, national insurance and student loan repayments for someone earning £52,000’.
The course lasts one academic year and is taught over two hours per week. There are two external examinations in the summer, both 90 minutes long. Both examinations have preliminary material that is released in March where real-life examples of data and information are given to students that are then used as the basis of questions in the examination.
Core Mathematics is equivalent to one AS Level or 40% of an A Level.
Assessment
Qualification
Vocational Level 3
Awarding Body
AQA
Entry Requirements
- Grade 4 or higher at GCSE.
Suitable for those not studying Mathematics or Statistics at A Level and compulsory for those studying: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Geography, Geology, Physics, and Psychology.
