Should I take AQA Level 2 Further maths for GCSE?

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

Reply 1

totally_human

9

Original post

by student12367

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

I did the same at GCSE and i found it really helped! if you're already confident in maths its definitely worth it for GCSE, and there is a lot of crossover with GCSE FM and A level maths, so if you're planning on taking A level maths at sixth form it'll help prepare you!

Reply 2

PreciousDiamond

10

Original post

by student12367

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

defo take it if you're planning to do A-Level Maths, even if not, take if cos u r already at a 9 in maths and there is a lot of overlap

Reply 3

Muttley79

20

Original post

by student12367

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

No, As a Maths teacher I don't recommend it. You'll learn stuff that isn't in A level Maths and it will take time away from your GCSEs.

It isn't actually a GCSE - technically it's a level 2 qualification.

I teach in a selective school and we don;'teach it now - we find it better to teach all the spec [many schools don't] and spend a lot of time on the grade 8 and 9 topics that are needed for A level. We alos do UKMT challenges which improve your problem solving.

Reply 4

Sophieerin92

1

Original post

by student12367

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

I am taking it currently and would absolutely recommend it. It doesn't have as much boring content that is usually in the first half of higher, so if you enjoy actual maths it can actually be more enjoyable. I think this is also the reason that some people find it hard, as this content is
n't difficult but requires memorisation, so if you aren't mathematically inclined you can't get marks for remembering information. However, if you like maths I personally don't think it is too difficult. I think the crossover topics are much more interesting in fm as well, so I have been much more motivated to revise these topics for further, and I have therefore improved in normal maths. Overall, I think it has definitely helped me develop my love for maths by expanding on areas that can be a bit boring at gcse. Even if you decide not to sit the exam (which my school has no issue with) it will definitely help you to develop your mathematical skills.

Reply 5

grah-

11

Original post

by student12367

I am a GCSE Edexcel Maths student (higher level) in year 10 learning all the topics in my course for next year's exams. There is the chance to take an extra AQA Level 2 Further maths course - 2 extra exam papers along with the 3 papers I'll be doing for Edexcel. I think it would be a good choice for me to gain an extra possible 9 and expand my learning for maths even though it most probable that I won't be taking further maths for A-Level.
Should I take it or not?

Hiya, I've literally just begun learning some of the FM content now to take it in June '26, since I wanted to get ahead so I wouldn't have to cram anything. I've gotten through a fair bit of the content using the specification, and it's actually been quite enjoyable! As @Sophieerin92 said, it doesn't include content which is a bit of a bore to practice like in higher tier edexcel. I'm currently doing stuff on matrices which is something I've never seen before - as @Muttley79 said, there may not be content that overlaps with A-Level maths, but it has definitely been really nice to try out. I'm not finding myself predicting methods or answers to new topics out of boredom but rather out of interest!
On one hand, it may be better to have one less subject to revise for, but I think this has just given me an excuse to do some maths for ... fun? :biggrin:

I'm not just doing something I've done for the last 2 years repeatedly because I have to. The actual exam questions aren't really wordy either, you're just showing skills and application, so that might be another thing you like about it.
Also, FM exams usually happen near the very end of exam season, I think I have a physics paper on the same day as one :> But, this does mean those extra topics not covered in normal maths can be quickly crammed 1-2 days before each exam.
There's honestly lots of different factors, but I would recommend you take it. Not to get another grade and not to ignore the risk of not putting time into normal maths - but it's just nice to do! That's my two cents on it, lmk if you have any more questions bc this might have just been a bit of a ramble from me

(edited 1 month ago)

Should I take AQA Level 2 Further maths for GCSE?

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