Welcome to Core Maths Why study the course

Welcome to Core Maths! Why study the course? • It teaches you where maths is used in real life applications • The topics support the maths you use in other subjects such as Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Geography • If you get a good grade some universities will give you a lower entrance offer • You learn the principles of estimating things which you never knew could be estimated • Learn how to generate working spreadsheets to complete complex calculations What is it? A level 3 course equivalent to an AS Exams: 2 exams 1 hour 30 mins each Both exams are calculator exams

Am I ready for Core Mathematics? • Grade 4+ at GCSE required as a minimum (Tier of entry not important as long as you are willing to work really hard) • Good time management skills, as this is a 1 year extra course on top of your A level courses • The will to spot patterns and write about what statistics are showing you

The Maths team

Core Maths Fermi Estimation - Estimating things that are difficult to estimate using sensible guesses eg How many piano tuners are there in New York city? Percentages – How we use them to calculate tax, national insurance, student loan contributions amongst other real term uses Standard Deviation – What it means and shows Product Moment Correlation Coefficient – How it is used to describe correlation Least Squares Regression – How it is used to predict trend and extrapolate results Normal Distribution – Using the normal distribution to calculate probability of events happening. Critically analysing Newspapers and statistics – Founding out how newspapers use Stats to convince and deceive.

Core Maths In core maths we use a project based approach where we discuss the mathematics within the different contexts. Where necessary we do have stand alone skills lessons to teach new skills. Some of the projects we use are: Build or buy – Is it best to build or buy a house based on your net income? Social Networks – How do we use them and do they affect productivity? Life Expectancy – How do different factors affect life expectancy around the globe Baby boom – Using Normal distribution to decide whether babies are a “normal” weight

Thanks for considering Core Maths The student feedback has been that this is an enjoyable and interesting course which they have thoroughly enjoyed, and have found useful and thought provoking If you have any questions, please do get in touch with the Maths Faculty by emailing the school office@kowessex. co. uk.