A level Physics without maths - What are my options?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the options available for pursuing A level Physics without a strong foundation in mathematics, particularly for a student who has taken foundation tier mathematics at GCSE. The scope includes concerns about future academic pathways in physics and engineering, as well as the requirements for A level mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the potential denial of their application to take A level Maths due to their foundation tier GCSE results and questions the implications for their future academic options.
  • Another participant suggests that if the foundation tier grade is below a C, retaking the GCSE at a higher tier may be necessary, emphasizing that a C grade is the minimum for university courses.
  • A participant clarifies that they achieved a C grade and explains their previous placement in foundation tier mathematics, citing circumstances that limited their opportunity to take higher tier qualifications.
  • One participant encourages persistence in communicating with the school, suggesting that demonstrating improved mathematical capability through past papers could influence the decision regarding A level Maths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of achieving a higher grade in mathematics for future studies, but there is no consensus on the best course of action for the original poster regarding their A level Maths application.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependency on individual school policies regarding A level entry requirements and the specific circumstances of the original poster's mathematical background.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering A level Physics without a strong mathematics background, educators advising on A level subject choices, and individuals interested in pathways to university physics or engineering degrees.

chestycougth
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I applied for my A level courses today and applied for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths (M)
However, I did foundation tier mathematics GCSE and I've been told that my application to do Maths A level is at the discretion of the head of the department.
I have caught up on the higher tier mathematics content over the summer so I am unlikely to struggle on the maths course.

I would like to do a masters in either physics or aerospace/electrical/nuclear engineering in the future but these courses require A level maths.
So if the head of the department does not let me take maths then what will my future options look like?


thanks.
 
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If your grade in foundation tier math was worse than C, probably your only option is bite the bullet and retake it (preferably at the higher tier). C grade GCSE math is the bare minimum for ANY university degree course, but AFAIK C is the maximum grade you can get from the foundation tier option.

AFAIK many sixth forms or further education colleges require a minimum of a C grade at GCSE to let you study the same subject at A level (and for good reasons - i.e. to stop people with unrealistic expectations wasting other people's time as well as their own).

I suppose the basic question is why you took the foundation tier. Did you get bad advice, or did your school think that was the best you could achieve?

Bear in mind that for a university physics or engineering degree you will have to do many math courses at university that are above "A level" standard. Getting anything less than an A or A* grade at GCSE level is probably not a good starting point!
 
I achieved a C, which as you say, is the most I can achieve on foundation tier. I was put in foundation tier in year 9 when my mathematical ability was much worse than it is nowadays.
The higher tiers were already full during years 10 and 11 so there was quite a few people who missed out on the opportunity to study the higher tier qualification.
 
Just keep on that them. Show them that you're up to scratch. Maybe even do a past paper to show them, then sit the higher tier maths paper when exam season comes around.

Don't stop pestering your school until they give in.
 

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