Is an AEA in Maths worth taking?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the value of taking the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics for a 6th form student preparing for year 13. Participants advise that unless aiming for top universities, focusing on A-levels is more beneficial than pursuing the AEA, as it does not negatively impact university applications if not passed. The AEA follows the same syllabus as A-level Mathematics but includes more challenging questions that require integration of concepts from all modules. Resources for preparation, such as sample papers from Edexcel, are available online.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of A-level Mathematics curriculum
  • Familiarity with Advanced Extension Award (AEA) structure
  • Knowledge of university entry requirements in the UK
  • Basic skills in exam preparation and study techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the structure and content of the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics
  • Explore university entry requirements on the UCAS website
  • Review Edexcel A-level Mathematics sample papers for AEA preparation
  • Investigate study resources and forums for A-level and AEA exam strategies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for 6th form students considering the AEA in Mathematics, educators advising students on university applications, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of A-level performance on higher education opportunities.

Smudger
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Good evening guys.

OK, I'm a 6th form student about to go to year 13. I took Maths Physics and English language this year but I'm certain I've failed English Language. I won't be resitting it next year, but will be taking AS further maths.

Firstly, is it worth taking an AEA in Maths? I'm thinking about it but incase I don't pass that, would that be viewed as a negative.

Secondly, does anyone have any advice on unis to look at. At this stage I'm expecting to be looking at A maths, B or C Physics E 'AS' English and I have no idea about 'AS' FM yet.
 
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Smudger said:
Good evening guys.

OK, I'm a 6th form student about to go to year 13. I took Maths Physics and English language this year but I'm certain I've failed English Language. I won't be resitting it next year, but will be taking AS further maths.

Firstly, is it worth taking an AEA in Maths? I'm thinking about it but incase I don't pass that, would that be viewed as a negative.
Unless you're looking to apply to one of the top universities, I wouldn't bother and would just concentrate on your a levels.

Secondly, does anyone have any advice on unis to look at. At this stage I'm expecting to be looking at A maths, B or C Physics E 'AS' English and I have no idea about 'AS' FM yet.
Well, you're only going to have two a levels and two as levels, so I wouldn't say you'd be able to get into many of the top unis (they tend to require ABB as a minimum). I don't know though; look on the UCAS website for entry requirements.
 
If I remember correctly you can enter the AEA and if you don't pass then there's nothing really of it. It doesn't appear as a fail on anything like a certificate, so as I was encouraged to do have a go but don't worry about it. That is don't sacrifice your a-level studies for it.
 
Yeah thanks guys. I'm not expecting to go to any of the top ones, esp. with failing one of my ASs. Are there any reccomendations of universities that I might get into with slightly lower grades?

As far as I understand, AEAs follow the same syllabus as normal Alevel maths and so preparig for my normal maths exams would be pretty much the same process, am I correct in this?
 
As far as I can remember they do follow the syllabus but they are obviously very hard questions. There are plenty of resources on the exam board web sites.

Here is a sample paper from edexcel the main body for a-level maths.

http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/aea/9801

Have a look and see what you think.
 
Looks fun...

So the main challenge is using maths from all modules together, as opposed to learning small bits of maths for small exams, right?
 
Yes its just bringing everything together. Like I said previously don't worry too much about it and have a go at the practise exam.
 

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