Most A Level subjects include an element of mathematical or statistical analysis, some of which is beyond the scope of GCSE Mathematics.


Why Study Core Maths?

In Core Maths, you will engage with practical and applicable mathematical concepts that are relevant to everyday life and various fields of study. This course provides a bridge between traditional GCSE mathematics and more advanced mathematical subjects, focusing on topics such as statistics, finance, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. 

Core Maths is a great choice if you are interested in pursuing higher education or careers that require strong quantitative skills but may not necessarily involve advanced mathematical theory. It's particularly beneficial for students aiming for degrees or professions in fields such as social sciences, business, economics, psychology, or health sciences, where statistical analysis and data interpretation are essential. 

The course content requires you to apply mathematical techniques to solve real-life problems, analyse data sets, interpret findings, and make informed decisions. It emphasizes practical problem-solving skills and critical thinking, preparing you for the challenges of further education and the demands of the modern workplace. 

This course is particularly suitable if you are interested in pursuing careers or further studies in areas such as market research, public policy analysis, business management, healthcare administration, or education, where a solid understanding of quantitative methods and data analysis can provide a competitive advantage.Shape

Course Contact

Miss Claire Tranter
Maths Subject Leader

Course Content

We use the AQA exam board (Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies), which allows us to tailor the course to your other A Level options. To do this you will need to choose a Pathway based upon your other subjects.

  • Pathway A is recommended to partner subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Sociology and Geography
  • Pathway B is recommended to partner subjects such as Business, Computer Science and Engineering. 

The content is as follows:

Paper 1 - Compulsory content:

  • Analysis of Data
  • Maths for Personal Finance
  • Estimation

Paper 2 - Content differs for each pathway

Pathway A - Statistical Techniques:
Recommended partner subjects: Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Geography

  • Critical Analysis of Given Data and Models
  • Normal Distribution
  • Probabilities and Estimation
  • Correlation and Regression

Pathway B - Critical Path Risk Analysis
Recommended partner subjects: Business, Computer Science, Engineering

  • Critical Analysis of Given Data and Models
  • Critical Path and Risk Analysis
  • Expectation
  • Cost Benefit Analysis

Where can this take you?

After studying Core Maths at St Edward’s, you'll possess valuable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking that are applicable across various fields and industries. Whether you choose to pursue further education or enter the workforce directly, you'll be well-prepared to excel in roles that require quantitative reasoning and statistical analysis. With a solid foundation in practical mathematics, you could pursue career paths in fields such as business, economics, social sciences, healthcare, education, or public policy, where your ability to interpret data and make informed decisions will be highly valued. Additionally, Core Maths can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced studies in mathematics or related disciplines, providing you with a versatile skill set that opens doors to diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Student Testimonials

"I really enjoy the course as it links well to my Business A level and my future career in finance."

Josh, KS5 Core Maths student