Core Maths
Why Study This Subject?
Many A Level and degree courses require mathematical skills that go beyond those developed at GCSE. Here at Greenhead College, Core Maths is a one-year course designed to help you maintain and develop these skills without committing to a full A Level in Mathematics.
The course builds on your existing knowledge while focusing on applying mathematics to real-world situations and solving practical problems. Core Maths is equivalent in size to an AS Level qualification and is studied alongside three A Level subjects. Students complete the qualification during their first year at College.
You will have four Core Maths lessons each week from September to May before sitting two examination papers. While some independent study is expected, the workload is considerably lighter than that of a full A Level course. Teaching is usually completed by the end of March, allowing plenty of time for revision and exam preparation during lessons.
By studying Core Maths, you will develop confidence in using mathematics in everyday and professional contexts, helping to prepare you for university, apprenticeships and a wide range of future careers.
Core Maths results at Greenhead have always been outstanding. In 2026, 60.6% of students achieved a Grade A (the highest grade), and 81.8% achieved at least a Grade B.
Greenhead offers four Mathematics-based courses in total. You may also be interested in Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Statistics.
The Mathematics Department has a dedicated help room for additional study and support, equipped with computers and access to a range of useful online resources. Teachers are always available to provide guidance and assistance.
We also offer a variety of enriching extracurricular opportunities, including participation in the UKMT Maths Challenge, support for university admissions tests such as STEP and TMUA, and trips to Maths Inspiration lectures.
This course follows the AQA specification.
There are two pathways through Core Maths depending on the combination of other subjects studied.
- Graphical Techniques – rates of change, logarithms and algebraic modelling. This is recommended for students studying sciences
- Statistical Techniques – advanced statistical analysis and probability distributions. This is recommended for students studying social sciences.
Both pathways also study aspects of data analysis and personal finance.
Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.
Core Maths is a one-year course (equivalent to an AS Level for UCAS points) for Year 12 students. It is taken in addition to three other A Levels.
If you are not already intending to study either A Level Mathematics or Statistics, then Core Maths is recommended to support the following subjects: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Geology, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.
