A LEVEL
Core Mathematics
Core Mathematics helps you apply maths to real-world situations, from managing finances to interpreting data, building the confidence, reasoning and numeracy skills you’ll use every day in life, work and further study.
Discover how maths connects to the world around you, developing the ability to analyse information, solve practical problems and make confident, well-informed decisions.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
The course covers content that is relevant to us, for example taxes and student loan, and it really encourages you to think about things that you wouldn’t have previously thought of.
Why Choose Core Maths at St Paul’s?
Our Core Mathematics course combines practical learning with expert support to help you grow in confidence and independence.
Learn through real-world examples – apply maths to situations such as budgeting, data analysis and personal finance.
Benefit from individual support – small classes and personalised feedback help you progress at your own pace.
Develop logical thinking – strengthen your problem-solving and analytical skills.
Build transferable skills – support subjects like science, geography, business and psychology.
Prepare for your future – gain the numeracy and reasoning valued by universities and employers alike.
Where Core Maths Can Take You
Core Mathematics strengthens the skills that support success in almost any pathway. The ability to analyse data, interpret information and make informed decisions is valued across higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
Core Mathematics focuses on applying mathematical thinking to everyday contexts. You’ll explore how numbers, data and models help you make sense of the world, from understanding interest rates to evaluating evidence in the news.
You’ll cover:
Analysis of Data – Interpret and present real-world information clearly and accurately.
Maths for Personal Finance – Explore budgeting, loans, taxes and interest rates.
Estimation – Make sensible approximations and reasoned judgements in problem solving.
Critical Analysis of Data and Models – Assess reliability, bias and trends in data.
Probability and Statistics – Learn to model uncertainty and make predictions.
Decision Mathematics – Explore logic-based methods like risk analysis and critical path modelling.
Graphical and Algebraic Methods – Use equations and graphs to describe and predict change.
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to approach real-world problems with confidence, using maths to make informed decisions and communicate your ideas clearly, abilities that open doors to future study and work.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Core Mathematics Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For Mathematics, you’ll need:
- Grade 5+ in Maths
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
It’s extremely useful for the future, and the work on loans and future finances reassures me that I would be able to understand the data when I get my own pay slip.
I chose Core Maths because I really enjoyed GCSE maths and was keen to continue maths alongside my other subjects.
Mrs E Morris
SUBJECT LEADER FOR MATHS
Thank you for your interest in Core Mathematics. At St Paul’s, we believe maths should feel relevant and empowering, something that helps you make sense of the world around you. Our team is here to support you as you build confidence, strengthen your understanding and see how maths connects to real life.
If you’d like to know more about the course, or how Core Mathematics can complement your other subjects and future plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to build real-world skills, grow in confidence and see how maths connects to everyday life?
Begin your Core Mathematics journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
Core MathematicsCourse Content
This course offers students the opportunity to study mathematics in a more investigational approach, providing students the means to solve complex problems logically and convey arguments effectively.
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Paper 1 consists of the following topics:
- Analysis of data
- Maths for personal finance
- Estimation
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1 Hour 30 Minutes |
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Paper 2 is an optional paper where students and staff choose which content to be assessed on.
Paper 2 A:
- Critical analysis of given data and modelsÂ
- The normal distribution
- Probabilities and estimation
- Correlation and regression
Paper 2 B:
- Critical analysis of given data and modelsÂ
- Critical path and risk analysis
- Expectation
- Cost benefit analysis
Paper 2 C:
- Critical analysis of given data and modelsÂ
- Graphical methods
- Rates of change
- Exponential functions
