Based at the Workington Academy and The Whitehaven Academy sites.

Examination Board

AQA

Entry Criteria

Students must have achieved a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics to study this course.

Assessment

You will sit two exams.

  • Paper 1- Covering Core skills – 1 hour 30 min
  • Paper 2- Covering Critical Analysis of Data and Models – 1 hour 30 minutes

Why you should study Core Maths

Mathematics is a key subject, looked upon favourably by all employers. This course in mathematics focuses on key applicable skills that can be used to support learning in a range of subjects, from science to business and geography to ICT.

The course allows opportunity to develop mathematical and statistical problem-solving skills, as well as evaluation and data analysis skills above the level reached at GCSE

The topics studied are broad in nature and are regularly explored through investigative methods.

Course Content

Core skills

  • Analysis of data
    • Collecting and sampling data
    • Representing data numerically and diagrammatically
  • Maths for Personal Finance
    • Percentages
    • Interest Rates, repayments and the cost of credit
    • Graphical representation of finance data
    • Taxation
  • Estimation
    • The Modelling Cycle
    • Fermi Estimation
  • Critical analysis of given data and models
    • Presenting logical and reasoned arguments in context
    • Communicating mathematical approaches and solutions
    • Analysing Critically

Statistical Techniques

  • The normal distribution
  • Probabilities and estimation
  • Correlation and regression

Skills Developed, Progression and Possible Future Careers

GCSE Mathematics skills are built upon and extended to look at applications in the real world.

Maths is relevant to a wide range of careers, with Core Maths being a great foundation to careers in a wide variety of areas, including finance, science and data analysis.

Universities have listed the advantages of studying maths to level 3 for courses including; Architecture, Biosciences, Biomedical Sciences, Business and Management Degrees, Chemistry, Education, Psychology, Economics, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Politics, Sociology, Social Science, Sports Science and more.

For those considering a more vocational pathway, Core Mathematics is a valuable qualification to hold if considering apprenticeships in Engineering, or Business.