Intermediate

There are 3 Free-standing mathematics Qualifications at this level.

Two Intermediate FSMQs build on the Foundation level FSMQs:

• Calculating finances

• Handling and interpreting data

These intermediate units involve the same areas of mathematics as two of the foundation units (Managing money and Making sense of data) but use more difficult concepts and principles and allow students to develop a more sophisticated approach.

Students are not required to have taken the Foundation level unit before progressing to the Intermediate level but will need to have the prior knowledge identified in the specifications.

One Intermediate FSMQ involves further areas of mathematics:

• Using algebra, functions and graphs

Using algebra, functions and graphs is aimed particularly at science and engineering students who need to develop their mathematics in these areas, but it would also be useful to students working in other areas such as Business Studies.

Calculating finances
Work for this FSMQ is based in four main areas:

• Earnings
• Borrowing money over both short and long periods
• Savings
• Balancing budgets

Students will learn to use calculators effectively and use spreadsheets to record data, carry out calculations and draw charts and graphs.
Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.
Details of relevant books are available here.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Handling and interpreting data
In this FSMQ students use statistical measures, charts and graphs to:

• carry out investigations in areas of interest to them
• critically examine the use and presentation of statistics by other people.

As part of this work students will learn how to use calculators effectively and use spreadsheets to record data, carry out statistical calculations and draw charts and graphs.
Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.
Details of relevant books are available here.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Using algebra, functions and graphs
In this FSMQ students use algebra, functions and graphs to model, analyse, make sense of, and describe situations they investigate in areas of interest to them.
Data can be collected by the students themselves taking measurements or consulting reference sources such as books or databases. They may also investigate functions and algebraic models proposed by others.
The work will involve plotting graphs both by hand and using either computer software or a graphic calculator.
Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.
Full specifications can be downloaded from the aqa website.