Core Maths

What is Core Maths?

Core Maths is a one-year Level 3 qualification, studied in addition to a three A-Level equivalent programme. This extra qualification can be taken in Year 12 or Year 13 and is suitable for students not already studying A-Level Maths or Statistics. The course helps to build skills in mathematical thinking, reasoning and communication, with cross-curricular applications.  

Core Maths provides a sound basis for the mathematical demands that students will face at university and within employment across a broad range of academic, professional and technical fields.  

What Will You Study?

Core Maths will prepare you for the varied contexts you are likely to encounter in vocational and academic study and in future employment and life, for example, financial modelling and analysis of data trends. 

You will study a breadth of mathematics content quite different to that at GCSE. We study a blend of financial calculations, such as payslip deductions and repaying mortgages, in addition to data analysis and Fermi Estimation. Further content is split across two strands (Statistical Techniques or Graphical Techniques), which means the course will be tailored to better suit the programme of study you have chosen at Newman.  

Core Maths has been designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematical skills. What you will study will not be purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis, whether in work, study, or life. The Core Maths course will include a financial mathematics element, including topics such as: payslip deductions, savings and investments, mortgage calculations and other important real-life applications of maths. 

What Next after obtaining a Core Maths qualification?

The qualification is worth the same UCAS points as an AS Level, so success could really benefit your application to university. With the level of mathematics being more advanced than GCSE Maths, employers and University Admissions will look favourably on an application that has a Level 3 Maths qualification. 

While Core Maths is likely to be particularly valuable for students progressing to higher education courses with a distinct statistical or scientific element, this qualification will also be valuable for any student aiming for a career in a professional, creative or technical fields. 

Exam Board

AQA

Entry Criteria

Five grade 5s at GCSE, including at least a grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

Course Type

Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies.

What Other Subjects Go Well with Core Maths?

There are two different strands offered within Core Maths, the Statistical Techniques Strand goes well with Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies, Accounting, Computer Science and Geography.

The Graphical Techniques Strand goes well with Biology, Chemistry, BTEC Science, Computer Science/ICT and Economics.