Core Maths supporting A-level Biology

By ASE Content Team Tuesday 12 March 2024

The government has announced that there will be additional funding of £900 for each Level 3 Core Maths student in 2024-2025. There is a great deal of overlap with the mathematical requirements of A-level Biology and the content of Level 3 Core Maths so it may be time to think about introducing it or strengthening numbers in your school or college.

What is Core Maths?

Core Maths is a Level 3 course, equivalent to an AS-level, which students take alongside their main subjects. In addition to providing ‘maths for life’ education in finance and critical analysis, studying Core Maths can increase student confidence in the mathematical requirements of their other A levels and courses.

Core Maths also provides students with reduced offers to certain courses at some universities

Case study:

Since 2020, the University of Bath has been using alternative offers that reduce one of the entry grades that are usually required for their degree courses. For example, where the typical offer is AAA, the alternative offer would be AAB.

All degrees that do not require A-level Mathematics, include alternative offers based on achieving a grade B in a Core Maths qualification when it is studied in addition to three other subjects. Example subjects include Biosciences, Pharmacy, Psychology and Social Sciences.

Most importantly, students really value this course and how it supports them with the maths in their other subjects. Watch this 3-minute video to hear directly from Core Maths students.

How can Maths and Biology departments work together?

What support is available?

The ASE has been collaborating with The DfE funded Advanced Maths Support Programme (AMSP) for the past three years in order to support Biology teachers deliver the mathematical requirements of A-level Biology. Feedback on the resources and professional development has been extremely positive. The AMSP can support you with introducing or strengthening Level 3 Core Maths in your school or college:

  • Visit this dedicated page to learn how the AMSP can support your school or College in curriculum planning, teaching resources, subject knowledge sessions, and professional development.
  • Request bespoke support from an AMSP Core Maths Specialist Lead

Specialist Leads can offer personalised support, including helping you to strengthen cross curricular links

How can I inform parents and students about Core Maths?

The AMSP has published a range of literature to support students in choosing which post-16 maths qualification is best for them. These include posters and postcards which highlight how Core Maths can support Biology students. You can download these or request printed copies (admin@amsp.org.uk) to be sent to your school or college. We also suggest that you share this 3-minute video.