Understanding Core Maths

[swingofthings]

DS is currently studying for his GCSEs and having to decide what to do next year at college. He is expected level 8 in Maths and always excelled in that subject but isn't enjoying it any longer and is adamant he doesn't want to study it at A levels.

However, I noticed that his college is offering to do Core Maths which seems to focus more on the application of Maths than theoretic which could suit him better especially as he is also interested in Business Studies and Economics.

What is confusing me though is everything I look at implies that Core Maths is delivered as a level 3 diploma only, however, the local college lists it as an A level. Could it be something new this year?

DS is definitely not interested in studying Maths at Uni. Any advice?

Core Maths is a level 3 qualification equivalent to an AS level usually delivered over 2 years and can be taken alongside 3 A-levels or other study.

It’s designed so that students who don’t want to take Maths A-level don’t have to give up maths altogether and can take a maths qualification which will support subjects like Geography, Business, Psychology or even the sciences.

That's what I though Noble but the college clearly lists it as an A level in their prospectus not a level 3 qualification tion hence my confusion and wonder if things had changed this year.

What is it really worth in the eyes of further education, employers for an apprentiship? DS is considering doing an A level in accounting but if he does he won't be able to Economics as the two are offered at different campuses.

The college is wrong, it’s not an A-level.

It is a good idea for him to keep up with some maths post-16, especially if he is looking to go into numerate jobs.

I think it’s value is not so much in how uni s or employers view it but in how it keeps the subject up for those that don’t want to do maths a level but then do a degre or a level subject with some maths elements. It will help them in their course. Things shouldn’t always be looked upon in terms of impressing uni s etc but are sometimes real help to the student. I hope that made sense

Vey interesting thanks to both of you. If I understand correctly he would really need to do it in addition to three A levels which I might struggle to convince him to do. He is quite keen on accountancy but I'm now starting to wonder if that is an A level too, assumed it was as stated as such on prospectus but it might be the same thing as Core Maths. How can a college gets something like this wrong on their prospectus!

Please note the following of he is interested in economics/business studies.

If he wants to do an economics degree he will need Maths A level but actually won't need economics A level. Also some universities will see economics/business as too similar so would be lloking for a 4th A level in those circumstances.

I would hate for him to go for economics without realising he can't do the degree without Maths A level.

I would agree that economics and business studies might be considered as too similar at a lot of Uni's but only the very top uni's ask for maths at A level the vast majority have no A level preference at all. As always do check some Uni's he may be interested in to see their current requirements.

Agree straight economics at top unis is very maths based and requires a level maths but there are other options

Thank you so much for this advice it's exactly what I was hoping for. DS is not that interested in Economics as a stand alone subject, it was just a consideration to support his interested in Business. If the A level in Business Studies already offer a module in Economics, there is no need for him to do Economics seperatly.

At the moment, he is more inclined to do an apprentiship after his A levels than going to Uni but so much can change in two years.

I think he will go BS and Accounting (confirmed to be an A level and I'm trying to encourage him to consider Sociology as I think he will enjoy it as he likes that element of study within Geography GCSE, or so I think!

Any views on this subject to complement Business Studies?

Core Maths is an excellent addition to a Level 3 programme of study. It is being recognised by more and more universities: www.personal.reading.ac.uk/~smsglais/University_Statements_on_Core_Maths.pdf
We have also heard of students receiving lower offers on the condition they achieve a certain grade in Core Maths. In addition we have heard about students securing apprenticeships over others based on taking Core Maths.
Not only is it a very valuable qualification for University and their career but they will also gain a solid understanding of personal finance (student loans, mortgages, pay day loans etc) which will prove invaluable.
Lots of information about Level 3 Maths quals on here: amsp.org.uk/

Those are a brilliant links cvansaarloos, thank you. Now need to get him to listen before deciding!

Good luck and keep me posted? I am @CoreMathsCat on twitter (as you can see it is a big part of my life 😂)

I will do :) Can I just ask again, it is correct that ideally, he would take this subject in addition to 3 A lelves rather than instead of an A level? This is where he might rebel as he will be scared to take on 4 subjects. He is clever and studious but has low confidence so always think he will not achieve well.

How 'easier' is Core Maths compared to the the A level? How can I reassure him that he"ll be OK with it when he is expected and likely to get an 8 in Maths GCSE. He sometimes struggle to understand the theory and although I try to explain that's the case for all, he takes it that its him only and makes him anxious. Is it corre t that Core Maths is more practical and therefore likely to take him back to the aspect of Maths he actually enjoys?

Yes it is designed to be taken as an additional subject (it has equivalent points to an AS). Only approximately 20% is new L3 content and so the focus is on applying what was studied at GCSE. So the context is introduced first and then the mathematical techniques must be selected and applied. For example a task might be: find a flat that you would love to live in and then work out how much you would have to earn to live there or is it true that if Wayne Rooney drops 50p it isn't worth his while bending down to pick it up. Also, he will study critical analysis which encourages students to question what they see in the media: is that really a big number? Are we being influence by that graph? quibans.blogspot.com/?m=1 will give an idea of some activities on news articles. Also you can have a look at past papers online (ask which board his school does and option if it is AQA).

Thank you again, this is so helpful. It looks really interesting. I can understand why you are a big supporter of Core Maths as too many kid who don't do well in Maths at school think they can't do maths at all when what they need is a better understanding of how the skills are applied in every day life. What a useful course this is for most pupils.

I can print these and show him so that will really help.