Is an AEA in Maths worth taking?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of taking an Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics for a 6th form student preparing for year 13. Participants explore the implications of taking the AEA alongside their A-level studies, the potential impact on university applications, and the nature of the AEA exam itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the worth of taking the AEA in Maths, expressing concern about the potential negative impact of not passing it.
  • Another participant suggests that unless aiming for top universities, focusing on A-levels may be more beneficial than pursuing the AEA.
  • A different participant mentions that failing the AEA does not appear as a fail on any certificate, encouraging others to attempt it without sacrificing A-level studies.
  • There is a discussion about the types of universities that may accept students with lower grades, particularly in light of one participant's concerns about their AS English results.
  • Some participants agree that the AEA follows the same syllabus as A-level Maths but involves more challenging questions, emphasizing the need to integrate knowledge from all modules.
  • One participant highlights that the main challenge of the AEA is the application of mathematics from various modules rather than isolated topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of the AEA and its impact on university prospects. While some suggest it may not be worth the effort, others encourage attempting it without significant concern for the outcome. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to balancing AEA preparation with A-level studies.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that preparation for the AEA may overlap with A-level Maths studies, but the difficulty level of the questions is acknowledged as higher. There is uncertainty about the specific university entry requirements based on the grades discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering the AEA in Mathematics, particularly those in 6th form or preparing for university applications, may find this discussion relevant.

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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