Core Mathematics Certificate (Maths Studies)

Qualifications 

Exam board: AQA 

Level 3 Mathematical Studies 

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350/specification-at-a-glance 

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Grade 4 or above in Mathematics.  

As Maths Studies is a one year course, it should only be taken as a fourth option, alongside three full time, 2 year, level 3 courses. 

Skills required 

This course is designed for students who have achieved a pass at GCSE and would like to continue studying maths at Level 3 to support their other subjects or just to enhance their skills from GCSE so that they can confidently use maths in other disciplines. 

Course outline 

Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be. 
This Level 3 Mathematical Studies qualification will consolidate students' mathematical understanding, build their confidence and competence in applying mathematical techniques to solve a range of problems and introduce them to new techniques and concepts that will prepare them for further study and future employment within a broad range of academic, professional and technical fields. 

Mathematical Studies aims to prepare students for the mathematical demands of higher education and work where there is a distinct mathematical or statistical element, but where the mathematical demands do not stretch to a requirement for A-level mathematics. 

A course of study leading to this qualification should enable students to: 

• study a mathematics curriculum that is integrated with other areas of their study, work or interest leading to the application of mathematics in these areas 

• develop mathematical modelling, evaluating and reasoning skills 

• solve problems some of which will not be well defined and may not have a unique solution 

• solve substantial and real-life  problems encountered by adults 

• use ICT as an exploratory tool for developing mathematical understanding and when solving problems 

• develop skills in the communication, selection, use and interpretation of their mathematics 

• enjoy mathematics and develop confidence in using mathematics

This course is equivalent to half an A level.

Student testimony 

Tom (Year 13) “The maths course was just what I needed to support my Applied Science course and it will help me with the engineering apprenticeship I’m planning to take up after sixth form.” 

Career paths 

Students who take this course go on to do follow whole range of different career paths, from Business Management to Biomedical Science to Healthcare.  

Course outline/assessment 

Paper 1 1 hour 30 mins 

• Analysis of Data 

• Maths for Personal Finance 

• Estimation 

Paper 2 1 hour 30 mins 

• Critical analysis of given data and models 

• Critical path analysis and risk analysis 

• Expectation 

• Cost benefit analysis