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Core Maths

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Course Overview

Core Maths

Core Maths is a one-year Level 3 course, equivalent to an AS Level. It will help you maintain and develop your mathematical skills from GCSE, preparing you for further study or employment. Many find it insightful and applicable to real-life situations, including personal finance. Offered by AQA, Core Maths enhances career prospects and earning potential by supporting skills in quantitative reasoning and critical analysis. Study Core Maths to keep these essential skills sharp!

Course highlights:

The course has been designed to maintain and develop real-life maths skills. Unlike A Level Maths, where there is an emphasis on algebra and purely abstract mathematical thought, with Core Maths the focus is instead on using Maths in real contexts, such as interpreting data from the media and personal finance. The emphasis on problem solving and modelling supports the study of other A Level subjects – in particular, business, economics, geography, PE, psychology and science.

Located at: Barnsley Sixth Form College

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 1 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: QSFCCORE1Y

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

Full-time Barnsley College students aged 16-18 years old do not have to pay tuition fees.

Other funding information

This course is not eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Course Content

  • You will need to have a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths to be accepted onto the course.

  • Students with a Grade 4 will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • This course is unique as it is a one-year qualification, meaning that you can study Core Maths in Year 12 or Year 13.

  • Since Core Maths is designed to support the study of other A Level subjects, it is studied alongside your A Levels, meaning that it is taken as a fourth subject.

This is a one-year qualification with two exams at the end (no coursework). Each exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 1 – Analysis of data, personal finance and estimation. Paper 2 – Correlation and regression, normal distribution and confidence intervals. Preliminary Material – Both papers require using real-world figures and information to critically analyse and evaluate.

You will need to purchase the Casio FX-991CW or Casio FX-991EX calculator for the course as well as a textbook.

Certificate

Core Maths plays a vital role, not only supporting students with the mathematical content in their other subjects but providing an opportunity for students to continue with their mathematical study in situations when A Level Mathematics may not be appropriate.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

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Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 07 May 2025.