Core maths

[SomersetBrie]

I wonder if anyone can tell me a bit more about Core maths as an option alongside A levels. DS's sixth form offers it - you can do it with a 5 in GCSE maths.
DS is not very academic, likely to do BTecs with a view to an apprenticeship at 18, not able for A level maths but capable of a 6 in GCSE.
As his career choices are mathsy, albeit at a lower level than many on here, does anyone know if a 5/6 in maths would make core maths viable?
I'll ask at his open evening, I was just wanting a bit of early advice before bringing it up at school.

As I understand it, core Maths was designed a few years back to plug the gap for6th formers like your son, who wouldn't manage (or enjoy) Maths A level , which is an enormous step up from GCSE and many students struggle with, but who need some degree of numeracy. so it might suit more practical applications like those needed in design, in social sciences, in finance etc, without t he more abstract conceptual maths in A level.

It was all part of a drive some 6 or 7 years back to have all post-16 students taking Maths in some form - either GCSE resit until passed, Core Maths for the in-between, or A level . (Rishi is now pretending this is a new idea, in order to try to distract us all from the multiple crises)

Thank you. This is what I was hoping it was. I want to sound like I know what I am talking about when I speak to school. And DS has been thinking about it for a while - we're not on the Rishi bandwagon!

My dd did core maths last year when she fell short of the expected high gcse grade. She was all set to do a level maths but she only got a 5 in her gcse. She ended up with a B in core maths which is equivalent to half an a level and looks better on her uni application than the gcse 5.

My dd did core maths last year when she fell short of the expected high gcse grade. She was all set to do a level maths but she only got a 5 in her gcse. She ended up with a B in core maths which is equivalent to half an a level and looks better on her uni application than the gcse 5.

My dd did core maths last year when she fell short of the expected high gcse grade. She was all set to do a level maths but she only got a 5 in her gcse. She ended up with a B in core maths which is equivalent to half an a level and looks better on her uni application than the gcse 5.

My dd did core maths last year when she fell short of the expected high gcse grade. She was all set to do a level maths but she only got a 5 in her gcse. She ended up with a B in core maths which is equivalent to half an a level and looks better on her uni application than the gcse 5.

You say he is likely to do BTECs, plural.

Does that mean he is thinking of doing say 3 BTEC certificates and core maths?

Have you/he considered doing an Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent)? e.g. Computer Science or Applied Science or Engineering (as you said career paths are mathsy)?

I think he'll do one or two A levels and two or one Btecs depending on how things are going.
He wants to stay at his current school, so extended diploma not on his radar. I might look into it though (I love a bit of research!).

Looneytune253 - that sounds like a good result if she wasn't set on A Level maths. Not wishing to sound like Rishi, but I think core maths sounds a great option for carrying on with maths without doing the A level.

One of mine did it. He got a seven at gcse and was one mark off an A in core maths. We should have appealed the mark really but left it too late.

It's worth a look at the Extended Diploma BTECs even if you ultimately discount them you'll know what you are turning down. Because at L3 everyone is on the same course the teaching will be condensed into 4 or maybe even 3 days, leaving more flexibility for a part time job or whatever.
Given his expected trajectory they are at least worth a look and he can still go to uni if he does well on the BTEC.

(If you are already y11 you need to get a move on as some colleges will have application deadlines, though some probably won't.)

My son is doing it right now. He enjoys maths and it works well with his other subject choices but he's not interested in doing it at A-level.

My son does it and really enjoys it as they look at practical applications of maths like interest on credit cards, mortgages etc. Also they aren't expected to do any work outside of class so its low stress.

Son self studied for Core Maths last yr as he wasn't confident about his Maths ability. He got a 7 in GCSE Maths but TAGS. He got an A in it and it greatly helping him with his business degree that he currently on. He said its given he so much confidence and a lot of aspects of the finance part of his degree calls for understanding in many of the concepts he covered.

Also forgot to add some universities give reduced offers if you do Core maths. So check this. I know Bath University does. Many good universities consider as a good/strong qualification.

DS was advised to do core maths because he's doing applied science extended certificate. He hated maths GCSE and was reluctant but is now enjoying core maths and does feel it helps.

Thanks for all the comments, it sounds like exactly what he needs.