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Core Maths

All Year 12 and 13 students who do not take A Level Maths and/or Further Maths at CAST will be enrolled in Core Maths. 

This Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies qualification will consolidate students' mathematical understanding as well as building their confidence and competence in applying mathematical techniques to solve a range of problems. In addition, it introduces them to new techniques and concepts which will prepare them for further study and future employment within a broad range of academic, professional, and technical fields. 

Core Maths aims to prepare students for the mathematical demands of higher education and work where there is a distinct mathematical or statistical element, but where the mathematical demands do not stretch to a requirement for A-level Mathematics. 

Content

The course consists of material that is assessed in two 90 minute examination papers at the end of Year 13. 

Paper 1 content is taught in Year 12:

Analysis of data

  • Data
  • Collecting and sampling data
  • Representing data numerically
  • Representing data diagrammatically

Maths for personal finance

  • Numerical calculations
  • Percentages
  • Interest rates
  • Repayments and the cost of credit
  • Graphical representation
  • Taxation
  • Solution to financial problems

Estimation

  • The modelling cycle
  • Fermi estimation

Paper 2 content is taught in Year 13. Students can choose between option A or B depending on their needs and which material is most appropriate for their future studies and careers.

Critical analysis data and models

  • Presenting logical and reasoned arguments in context
  • Communicating mathematical approaches and solutions
  • Analysing critically

Option A: Statistical Techniques

The normal distribution

  • Properties of the normal distribution
  • Notation
  • Calculating probabilities

Probabilities and estimation

  • Population and sample
  • The mean of sample size n
  • Confidence intervals

Correlation and regression

  • Correlation
  • The product moment correlation coefficient
  • Regression lines
  • Calculations

Option B: Critical Path and Risk Analysis

Critical path analysis

  • Compound projects
  • Critical activities
  • Gantt charts

Expectation

  • Probability
  • Diagrammatic representations
  • Combined events
  • Expected value

Cost benefit analysis

  • Living with uncertainty
  • Control measures
  • Risk analysis

Sixth Form​