Maths A levels

[Orangeblossom77777]

So we have various choices for Maths next year:

Maths A level
Further Maths
Core Maths AS level

It says a bit about each in the prospectus but wondered if others knew a bit more on here as well.

Also any thoughts on the BTEC route for Computing helpful. I just wondered that if included some A level sciences could be a route to other courses as well as computer science if that interest fades. Keeping options open.

He is a young born 15 yr old also and is bright, so I wonder if in time will do well. They have the ability to get higher grades e.g. in science.

That's helpful blackgerbil thanks

Ask what happens if they start an A level and then find it too hard / not for them. So if your dc started A Level maths could they swap for Core AS level?

To go ahead with the Maths A level and then struggle and get a low grade would be so off putting. It then could not even be used for a grade towards other degrees as well. Whereas e.g. a B in something else could

Sorry just thinking out loud. That happened to me in the past - wanted to be a vet at the same age and did a multitude of Highers including Maths, Physics, Chemistry. Six overall, ended up with 2 Bs and 4 Cs. Missed entry to St Andrews, Edinburgh and would have been a lot better with e.g. 4 A/B grades.

Ask what happens if they start an A level and then find it too hard / not for them. So if your dc started A Level maths could they swap for Core AS level?

Good idea. However could mean only getting 2 A levels...as the Core one is not counted. Not sure if many universities accept 2 A levels plus core maths for courses.

It’s not just the new universities which don’t require A Level maths, there are actually quite a few courses from universities with excellent reputations that don’t. From memory, Essex, City, KCL, UEA, Kent don’t require maths (although please check in case my info is out of date!) amongst others. Some might ask for “either computer science or maths” so A Level CS is sufficient.

In your position, I’d get your DS to sit down in front of the UCAS search website and get him to do an hour or so of research on computer science degree entrance requirements.

Two A Levels plus core maths would be a bad idea, I think. Three A Levels to include CS plus core maths could well be a good combination to get him into courses like the ones mentioned above.

I think so too. TheDucksareComing thanks. Then if he does change his mind about Computer science he would have other options as well.

DH did Electronic engineering at UWE few years back now but that was with no maths A level and did a PHD after so yes there are options.

Yes KCL says "At least one of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing. Plus GCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B (or equivalent)" www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/computer-science-bsc

also lists BTEC/CTEC Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology with grades DD and one A-level at grade A in either: Mathematics or Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing.

I have a y12 dc doing FM in the model where they do the whole of A-level maths in y12 and then FM in y13.

Can confirm it is absolutely brutal. DC got straight 9s at GCSE and is finding it tough going, despite putting in at least 3 hours extra study a day. Don't even consider it unless you have a super-able mathematician with a corking work ethic and very strong mental/emotional resilience.

@Mendeleyev

Core. Not Corr!

Corr maths sounds so much better than Core Maths to be honest 👍

Interesting yes I know of another struggling with that higher course, think they got a D but went on to uni. Think it knocked their confidence though.

physics and maths go well together as there is a lot of overlap in material. My ds who always sailed through with no effort had a real shock 1st term with step up but got his head down and managing ok. FM is an even bigger step up so need to be really on the ball with it.

My DD got an 8 in maths and is doing 'A' level, she has found it very very hard but is enjoying the challenge. Personally I wouldn't recommend anyone with less than an 8 doing it but perhaps a maths teacher will be along to give advice. There are quite a few other maths A level threads OP, it might be worth a look at those.

Have a look at the grade boundaries. It's the subject with the biggest percentage difference in grades.

DS is doing Edexcel and the grade boundaries are

9 - 83%
8 - 70%
7 - 57%
6 - 45%

With a 7, 40 % is a lot of content to miss on an exam, especially in a subject like Maths where you build on what you've previously done.

DS2 is doing Maths A level (he got an 8 at GCSE). It's hard and he is predicted a B (he's in yr 13 btw) - he says he would be very happy with that.

Someone in his class got a 6 at GCSE and has struggled (for example they got 0/96 in an exam in January this year - for comparison DS got 52/96).

I would suggest as others do OP that if your DS will get a 6, possibly a 7 with tutor support, maths A level is not for him. Core maths may well be helpful tho.

FWIW for science degrees, geography is often counted as a science.

Sorry you didn't say he had a tutor, but extra support now to help with the higher GCSE suggests not a natural for A level.

I would steer him away from A-level if he is working at a 6

My dd got an 'A' (before it changed to numbers) without lifting a finger / doing any revision, but completely crashed and burned at A Level.
Honestly, A-level is a HUGE jump from GCSE.
I'd be surprised if a 6th form would accept a pupil on to a maths A-level course if they were working at a 6 (or even if had needed extra support to push to a 7).
Certainly not FM.

noble (maths teacher) posted a chart from Edexcel who tracked 2017 GCSE maths candidates through to A level 2019 and the drop in grades is really eye opening.

So in that cohort those that achieved a 6 went on to get
E - 29.9%
D - 27..6%
C - 16.1%
B - 6.5%
A - 3.1%
A* - 0.5%

A 7 at GCSE translated to 27.5% getting a D, and 25.6% getting a C.

KCL only requires one A level from maths/Fm/Computer Science/Computing but still requires AAA entry grades. CompSci isn't just coding which a lot of students think it is. A lot of it is theory based, databases, hardware, Boolean algebra. Your son needs to look at the content by Craig and Dave on YouTube who cover A level and GCSE Computer Science.

Thanks again not going for maths but for sciences and computer science. think is a good plan. He's happy anyway which is good. His favourite subjects.

Talked to the maths teacher who told me quite a few who get grade 7 actually end up dropping the A level maths and changing to core maths instead.