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Maths and Further Maths

Hi! I’m in year 12, and I currently take maths, physics and comp science!

What I wanted to ask is, is it possible to do FM in one year? Say, I want to apply for maths for uni and obviously they want people who did FM as well. Would I be able to do FM and do the exam at the end of year 13? Study it on my own?

Reply 1

Original post
by lunamare
Hi! I’m in year 12, and I currently take maths, physics and comp science!
What I wanted to ask is, is it possible to do FM in one year? Say, I want to apply for maths for uni and obviously they want people who did FM as well. Would I be able to do FM and do the exam at the end of year 13? Study it on my own?

Yes, if you are comfortable with A-Level maths, you can complete Further Maths in a year. Although it's a lot of work, many students manage it with practice and discipline. Enquire about exam entry with your school or testing location.

Reply 2

Original post
by lunamare
Hi! I’m in year 12, and I currently take maths, physics and comp science!
What I wanted to ask is, is it possible to do FM in one year? Say, I want to apply for maths for uni and obviously they want people who did FM as well. Would I be able to do FM and do the exam at the end of year 13? Study it on my own?

Hi @lunamare,

You can definitely study FM in one year; in my sixth form, the standard format for students who were studying both Maths and Further Maths at A-Level was to complete Maths in the first year and Further Maths in the second. If you're a strong Maths student, you shouldn't struggle too much with the workload.

Talk to your Maths teacher about your intention to self-study the subject; they may be able to offer you a few pointers. 🙂

Best of luck!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 3

I’d say, from personal experience, that the jump from A-Level Maths to A-Level Further Maths is bigger than the jump from GCSE Maths to A-Level Maths. But then that depends on the modules you choose. The core pure modules are relatively easy to learn by yourself, maybe except vectors which many struggle with, however if you choose FD1 for example, it’s entirely new so hard to learn. I did actually find FD1 the easiest module out of all 4 FM modules but I think, without a teacher, I’d have found it the hardest. Also remember that you don’t really have the full year in Y13, ideally you’d want to have finished before April so you can revise the rest of the time… It’s definitely doable if you have the work ethic, many don’t.

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