Further maths GCSE

Hi! I’m currently in Year 11 and now is the time to decide whether to take Further Maths GCSE. I’m happy to put in the time and effort to do well, but I’m not sure if it’s actually worth it. I plan to take Maths at A-Level where the requirement is an 8 at maths gcse, but since Further Maths GCSE isn’t required, I’m wondering if that time might be better spent on my other subjects.

Right now I’m working at a grade 8 in Maths and predicted an 8/9, and I’m doing well in my other subjects too with similar grades.
In short, is further maths worth taking or should i focus my time on getting as many 8/9s as possible?

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve taken Further Maths or know whether it makes a big difference! 😀

Reply 1

dpzfguhui

I was also working at a grade 8 level in Maths at the start of year 11, but I managed to get a nine in both with a bit of extra work, but not massive amounts of as there wasn't that much content for AQA. I also found that further maths helped with normal maths as the topics overlap. I think it really depends on whether Maths is something you are naturally good at and enjoy, so you can put in that extra work without it taking away from your other subjects. Also, if you are aspiring high for university or anything else, maths or science-related, you should definitely do it. You can always drop it if it doesn't go well so I reckon its worth trying.

Reply 2

Amber405

Original post

by dpzfguhui

I agree with this but i also think, what other subjects are you taking, if ur taking something that is already veryy time consuming like psychology or triple science thats another thing to consider, but in my opinion. Yes!

Reply 3

sofs73

Original post

by Carrotketchup

Hi! I’m currently in Year 11 and now is the time to decide whether to take Further Maths GCSE. I’m happy to put in the time and effort to do well, but I’m not sure if it’s actually worth it. I plan to take Maths at A-Level where the requirement is an 8 at maths gcse, but since Further Maths GCSE isn’t required, I’m wondering if that time might be better spent on my other subjects.
Right now I’m working at a grade 8 in Maths and predicted an 8/9, and I’m doing well in my other subjects too with similar grades.
In short, is further maths worth taking or should i focus my time on getting as many 8/9s as possible?
I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve taken Further Maths or know whether it makes a big difference! 😀

I did FM GCSE and currently do Maths Alevel - FM gcse does give you a small head start compared to people who didnt take it but not a massive one
more importantly, if you think that you want to go to a top uni e.g imperial, oxford, cambridge or do medicine, the more gcses the better - unis are so competitive now that at some top unis this year that number of gcses was a factor that unis looked at

Reply 4

Carrotketchup

Thank you so much. Yeah I did think that triple science is already technically an extra gcse that I take but I am doing well (9,7,7 in yr 10 mock). My main subject that I want to focus on is geography ( or geology if I get into KEGS ) for both a level and maybe even university. Do you think slightly better maths grade will make any difference for that?

I think that I will go for it as my maths teacher has said I can drop it any time if gcses get too busy. Also I do enjoy maths ( 8 edexcel with a fair amount of content ) so I feel it should be okay.

Thanks everyone! I would also appreciate comments from anyone with more advice or experience.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 5

PreciousDiamond

Defo do it if u r planning to do A level maths, it gives a head start in topics such as differentiation and coordinate geometry. You would also have some prior knowledge of some other niche topics from year 13 such as domain and range :biggrin:

i did maths and further maths gcse, both have quite a lot of overlap so getting 8/9 isnt too much work for gcse fm

Reply 6

Muttley79

Original post

by Carrotketchup

Hi! I’m currently in Year 11 and now is the time to decide whether to take Further Maths GCSE. I’m happy to put in the time and effort to do well, but I’m not sure if it’s actually worth it. I plan to take Maths at A-Level where the requirement is an 8 at maths gcse, but since Further Maths GCSE isn’t required, I’m wondering if that time might be better spent on my other subjects.
Right now I’m working at a grade 8 in Maths and predicted an 8/9, and I’m doing well in my other subjects too with similar grades.
In short, is further maths worth taking or should i focus my time on getting as many 8/9s as possible?
I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve taken Further Maths or know whether it makes a big difference! 😀

Focus on your other subjects. Further Maths isn't a GCSE btw, it's a level 2 qualification.

It makes absolutely no difference to your ability to tackle A level and it's far better to aim for a grade 9 in Maths and as many other 9s as you can get.

I teach Maths in a selective school - we don't offer it but get amazing A level results in both Maths and Further Maths. We prefer to teach all the grade 9 topics thoroughly and use UKMT competitions and resources to enhance problem solving.

Reply 7

Muttley79

Original post

by PreciousDiamond

i did maths and further maths gcse, both have quite a lot of overlap so getting 8/9 isnt too much work for gcse fm

No it doesn't really help A level - you learn topics that aren't even in A level Maths!

Reply 8

Carrotketchup

Thank you so much, everyone! I’m going to continue to consider my maths teacher’s advice as after all he knows my ability and personality best. Still, all of your replies have really helped me understand what A-level Maths is actually like and what I should be thinking about.

At the moment, it’s looking like I probably won’t take it because I’ve got a lot going on (like my piano ABRSM exams), and from what many of you have said, its potentially useful but it’s definitely not essential.

I also recently found out that I need an 8 in maths (as well as strong grades in my other subjects) to take A-level at the sixth form I want to go, so I really need to focus on securing that first.

Thanks again for all your help, everyone!!

Reply 9

Muttley79

Original post

by Carrotketchup

Thank you so much, everyone! I’m going to continue to consider my maths teacher’s advice as after all he knows my ability and personality best. Still, all of your replies have really helped me understand what A-level Maths is actually like and what I should be thinking about.
At the moment, it’s looking like I probably won’t take it because I’ve got a lot going on (like my piano ABRSM exams), and from what many of you have said, its potentially useful but it’s definitely not essential.
I also recently found out that I need an 8 in maths (as well as strong grades in my other subjects) to take A-level at the sixth form I want to go, so I really need to focus on securing that first.
Thanks again for all your help, everyone!!

Very sensible - focus on GCSE Maths and all your others.

The best prep for A level is a thorough knowledge of GCSE and keeoing you skills well-practised over the summer.

These may be worth a look if your school doesn't provide summer holiday work

https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/subject-resources/mathematics/unrivalled-support/support-from-pearson/gcse-maths-transition-to-a-level.html

Reply 10

Carrotketchup

Original post

by Muttley79

Very sensible - focus on GCSE Maths and all your others.
The best prep for A level is a thorough knowledge of GCSE and keeoing you skills well-practised over the summer.
These may be worth a look if your school doesn't provide summer holiday work
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/subject-resources/mathematics/unrivalled-support/support-from-pearson/gcse-maths-transition-to-a-level.html

Thanks so much! That link is very helpful and will be very important over the summer break 😃