AQA level 2 Further Maths - is it worth it?

[Elizo]

Hi all,

DS in year 10 been doing FM since beginning of the year. Always been good at maths, but not one of these geniuses who sails through effortlessly. Has told me he is struggling and the only test they have done he got a low mark, although a third of the group were lower. He has 1 hour after school most weeks and I think this isn't enough to consolidate it - even if he gets it he forgets again. I think they have another assessment coming up so can see how he does, but wondering if it is worth it. He may do Maths A level (loves chemistry and other sciences, so to keep options open for science at Uni). Is it worth it? Not sure how it is graded, buts sounds like unlikely he would get a top grade and also less time to concentrate on other subjects including maths itself. Thanks for thoughts

In your ds's case I would say ' no'. At my kids' school, they do it within normal maths class to keep them going with something once they have mastered the GCSE maths syllabus.If your ds is doing it in a extra class and is not a cert for a 9 there is no point spreading himself more thinly

The beginning of year 10 is very early to start FM as they have covered so little of the Higher GCSE material. We expect students to largely self-teach from year 10 summer holidays; my previous school did one lunch time per week in year 11 and my DD's school spent the last 3 months of year 11 doing it (most of top set took FM). I usually say that it's not wasted effort for anyone going on to A-level as they will need it all but would only offer it to those who will get a good 8 at least. We have a lot dropping out as they don't see the benefit of extra effort.

I agree that FM GCSE is not wasted effort if planning to take Maths/Further Maths at A level. It isn’t necessary though and I’d think your DC could quietly drop it and not take the GCSE exam if they were doing poorly.

Thanks all. Interesting about some schools not starting until year 11 or even later. I think we can see how things are looking after this term’s assessment and also possibly into the autumn term before he decides. Could possibly be a timing issue. Also end of the day, he is tired etc. Is it graded 9-1 does anyone know?

Yes it is graded 9-1 if it is the AQA one

My son refused to do it in year 10. He then realised maths was easy for him, taught himself the syllabus over the summer and joined the lessons in year 11. Ironically though, he got a 9 in FM and an 8 in Maths.

If you get the revision book, and he is able and willing enough at maths he could have a go in the summer holidays?

Looks like 4-9
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/over/stat_pdf/AQA-L2-CERT-GDE-BDY-JUN-2023.PDF

And just to answer your question: it was worth it because he is doing maths and science A levels but not sure otherwise. Good luck!

Thanks - is that CGP revision book?

I’d say it’s worth doing if he’s planning on A- level maths, from our experience, but in any case not necessary. DS did it last year and got a good mark - but he wasn’t doing that well in year 10. It then gives you a head start at A-level.

Yes, definitely graded 4-9
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/mathematics/specifications/AQA-8365-SP-2018.PDF

Yes that's the one we used x