Core Maths has been designed for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 or above, but who have not chosen to study A level Mathematics. The qualification strengthens students’ existing skills and focuses on applying mathematics to solve problems relevant to everyday life. Core Maths is suitable for students intending to follow various routes into higher education, vocational training or business and industry. For example, it could provide a grounding for students who are: entering higher education in subjects such as geography, history or biology; choosing vocational training, including construction, leisure & tourism and hospitality & catering; undertaking teaching qualifications; or planning to do apprenticeships, such as in the manufacturing industry. Core Maths equips students with the mathematical skills used in everyday life, further study and employment. It also helps students to understand the mathematical content in other courses, through the development of quantitative-reasoning and problem-solving skills. (Universities value mathematical skills for a large variety of degree courses and many have A level or equivalent requirements). Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills are useful for a wide range of undergraduate degrees, and a Core Maths qualification helps you to improve and maintain these skills. Students learn through using and applying mathematics to solve problems including those in: • Personal contexts: scenarios related to the individual, family or peer group • Occupational contexts: scenarios related to the world of work • Societal contexts: scenarios related to local, national or global communities • Scientific contexts: scenarios related to the natural world, science and technology This equips students with practical and useful mathematical skills relevant to: • Business needs e.g. analysing and evaluating data, budget management, problem-solving approaches to financial calculations • Everyday life requirements e.g. preparing tax returns, applying for loans, general budgeting and managing household finances