Core Maths Collection

Does Core Maths count as an A-level?

No, it's not an A level.

Ok, so is it an AS level?

Still no, but it is at an equivalent level.

Is Core Maths harder than GCSE?

The short answer is, "Kind of" and the long answer is: Yes, some parts of the course are explicitly harder than GCSE. The course is 'Level 3' so equivalent in difficulty to AS level (GCSE is 'Level 2') and therefore it is meant to be harder than GCSE. However, there is a fair bit of crossover from GCSE and if you've taken higher tier, you will recognise some aspects like histograms and box plots. Honestly, a lot of the maths isn't that difficult and the way it's presented may mean that you it find it more interesting and engaging.

How hard is Core Maths?

The answer above gives you some information. Some of the content is from GCSE and some is from the A level maths. Yet more is on neither course (like the finance aspects). It's designed to be accessible for people who got a grade 4 or above so that should give you a clue to the difficulty.

What does Level 3 actually mean?

To help employers get a sense of what level a qualification is in relation to other ones, there is a system of levels. Grade 2 music is considered a 'Level 1' qualification while GCSE grades 4 to 9 are called 'Level 2'. People that have studied after their university degree course might have a postgraduate certificate which is 'Level 7'. 

'Level 3' tells us that a Core Maths course is of equivalent status to A levels, AS levels, music grades 6, 7 and 8 (along with some other qualifications you may be less familiar with).

Is Core Maths Hard?

Ultimately, that's too subjective to answer. It depends on what you've done in the past and how much you're willing to work. If you got a grade 4 or more, are taking A levels or are in education post-16, you should be able to handle Core Maths.

Is Core Maths useful?

Yes, absolutely. It covers some aspects of maths that you might actually use in your life and job as well as supporting the maths content in other courses. Pyschology, Geography, Biology and other A levels all have substantial elements of maths.

Does Core Maths have UCAS points?

Yes, equivalant to an AS Level. A = 20, B = 16, C = 12, D =10, E = 6

Is Core Maths worth taking?

Yes. You'll be able to demonstrate to people that you have a maths qualification beyond GCSE. It really helps you to understand day-to-day things like your paycheck, mortgages, saving money and whether newspaper headlines are telling you the whole truth. On top of that, the way the Core Maths course works means that you may well find you actually enjoy maths.

Some universities have said they look favourably on students with Core Maths and some will even reduce their entry requirements if you've done well. The AMSP has more details here.

Is Core Maths an EPQ?

No, they're quite different. They are considered the same level of difficulty though.

Can I do Core Maths and an EPQ?

In principle, there's no reason why not. You'd need to talk to your school/college about timetabling of it. You should also be careful about trying to doing too much but as far as exam boards are concerned, yes, you can.

Core Maths vs EPQ - which is best?

Core Maths! No, that's a joke. They are very different things. 

Should I take an EPQ or Core Maths?

That's too subjective to answer here. You should definitely talk to your teachers/tutors and your sixth form team. If you are taking subjects that are already heavily essay based, then Core Maths might show a breadth of skills. If you are heavily science based, then maybe the EPQ would demonstrate you can plan and write an essay. EPQs are great for people with self motivation whereas the Core Maths course is more likely to be taught.

What are the exam dates?

This will vary by year and exam board but they are usually in May or early June. For 2024:

AQA is 15th and 23rd May Edexcel is 4th and 11th June OCR is 16th and 23rd May

What is preliminary or prerelease material?

Each of the courses publish a set of material that some of the exam questions will be based on. You are supposed to look at the material and be familiar with it before going into the exam. The material changes each year. Publication dates for 2024 are:

AQA is 1st March Edexcel is 15th April OCR is 15th March

What are the grade boundaries?

Obviously this varies from year to year. The 2023 ones are on this page: Grade Boundaries.

When is Core Maths examined?

This will depend on your school/college. Many of them run it in year 12 and have the exams in May/June (see exam dates above) while others complete the course over two years and students take the exam in year 13.

Where can I find past papers?

Here: AQA past papers Edexcel past papers OCR  A past papers OCR B past papers

Is there a textbooks or student book?

Yes but they do vary quite a bit. Make sure you have the correct exam board and are looking at Level 3 Mathematics. Some older versions of A level maths had modules called 'Core' Maths. You don't want those!

How do I revise for Core Maths?

That's not an easy question. Hopefully the answer is going to be, "Make best use of this website." Check out the resources I have for students and maybe the calculator guides. If there are some resources you would particularly find useful, let me know.

Sorry, I can't tell you that! They all have their pros and cons so what's right for you and your students might well be different to others. You can check out each exam board's offer here:

AQA specification Edexcel specification OCR specification

The Advanced Maths Support Programme has more advice and help too along with this handy comparison document.

Well, that answer to that is largely why I started this website. I've quite a way to go but you can check out the links I've got in the teacher section along with some downloadable resources.

Who is Cat and what's a Padlet?

Cat van Saarloos is a wonderful person who works for the AMSP.

A Padlet is a way of sharing links and you're probably looking for this one here.

Who is Dave Gale?

That would be me. I've been involved in Core Maths since 2018 and have written quite a few resources. There's a chance you've seen my TES resource collection and the evolution of that is going to be this website.

There's a resource I'd really like or I know a resource that I think you should share

Great. Contact me.

I can heartily recommend the AMSP (Advanced Maths Support Programme) as the best place to go. They have got a whole range of professional development opportunities you can check out. They also have an entire team of Specialist Leads and Advocates ready to help too.