Module difficulties for A2 Maths

Hello,

I've just completed my AS in pure maths, and well, I wasn't too pleased with the outcome. My pure course requires me to do the following (its edexcel):

C1: 77 (tragic result)
C2: 85
C3: 71

and for A2...

C4, FP1, FP2.

I'd really like to get an A in maths, and currently I'm only on a high B. My teacher has given me the choice to change from pure maths to statistics, (since all the modules I've done so far are in stats too).

If I was to take up stats, I'd be doing the modules: S1, D1, and C4.

So basically what I'm asking is, from experience what is more difficult between FP1 + FP2, and S1 + D1, and also would you recommend that I switch to stats if I want a better chance at obtaining that A/A* grade?
Also, is a stats A level not as respected as pure maths by universities, especially if I want to do economics?

Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

Annie2.1

Does everyone have to do FP1 & 2 in your school? I'd say do S1 and D1 as they are easier. Also FP1 & 2 are usually taken by students doing further maths.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my E15i

Reply 2

StefanG

OP

4

Original post by Annie2.1

Does everyone have to do FP1 & 2 in your school? I'd say do S1 and D1 as they are easier. Also FP1 & 2 are usually taken by students doing further maths.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my E15i

Only pure + further students do FP1 + FP2, the difference is pure students take FP1 as an A2, and further do it in the AS year.

Swapping over will be awkward, and I don't want to do it if the difficulty difference is marginal. I've heard mixed things about S1 and D1, but if they are exceptionally easier, then I definitely want to do the switch :smile:

Reply 3

tory88

18

S1 and D1 will be much easier, but FP1 and FP2 are much more interesting, useful and look better on a CV/UCAS application.

Reply 4

TheIrrational

15

Sounds like an interesting but hard A level, FP1 is easy after C3/4, C4 is not that much harder than C3, but a little more stuff in it. FP2 would be probably quite hard considering your C1/3 scores. S1 and D1 would be easier regardless, but FP1 and FP2 more interesting.

Reply 5

Mulligan

11

If you want the A* you need to resit C3 if you decide to swap as to get it you need 180+ UMS over C3 and C4 and that would not be possible with a 71 in C3.
I think you would find S1 and D1 easier than FP1 and FP2 but it depends what you want to do in the future really so think before you decide.

Reply 6

TenOfThem

18

Original post by Mulligan

If you want the A* you need to resit C3 if you decide to swap as to get it you need 180+ UMS over C3 and C4

FP2 is also an A2 module

Reply 7

Mulligan

11

Original post by TenOfThem

FP2 is also an A2 module

As I said I meant if OP swapped to taking D1 and S1 then they would need to resit C3 to get the A* as then they would have C1-4 plus D1 and S1 as the A level so would not be taking FP2 :smile:

Reply 8

StefanG

OP

4

Original post by Mulligan

If you want the A* you need to resit C3 if you decide to swap as to get it you need 180+ UMS over C3 and C4 and that would not be possible with a 71 in C3.
I think you would find S1 and D1 easier than FP1 and FP2 but it depends what you want to do in the future really so think before you decide.

I'm really not worried about the A*, its just a small possibility if I decide to retake c3 in Jan, its more about securing an a grade.

So primarily I'm just wondering is picking up S1 and D1 easier than continuing into FP1 and FP2 after doing C4.

Reply 9

knowledgecorruptz

9

Original post by StefanG

Hello,

I've just completed my AS in pure maths, and well, I wasn't too pleased with the outcome. My pure course requires me to do the following (its edexcel):

C1: 77 (tragic result)
C2: 85
C3: 71

and for A2...

C4, FP1, FP2.

I'd really like to get an A in maths, and currently I'm only on a high B. My teacher has given me the choice to change from pure maths to statistics, (since all the modules I've done so far are in stats too).

If I was to take up stats, I'd be doing the modules: S1, D1, and C4.

So basically what I'm asking is, from experience what is more difficult between FP1 + FP2, and S1 + D1, and also would you recommend that I switch to stats if I want a better chance at obtaining that A/A* grade?
Also, is a stats A level not as respected as pure maths by universities, especially if I want to do economics?

Thanks :smile:

The first two chapters of D1 are risible. Apparently it doesn't get much harder. From what I've heard it's the easiest unit - however, it is VERY easy to slip up and lose some marks, so depends on the person I guess. S1, not quite as easy, still no way near as tough as FP1 + 2 (or, at least, what I've heard about them).

Stats is probably more respected (for economics). Some Cambridge colleges (e.g. Clare) actually ask you to specialise in stats because it's used so much at uni. I'm also applying to economics and I've decided to take S3 and S4 due to this. I realise it'll only be minor advantage, but an advantage nonetheless and an additional qualification.

Module difficulties for A2 Maths

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