A Level: Mathematics

Why study this subject?

This is a two year course.

This subject is for those students who enjoyed studying maths at GCSE at the Higher level and achieved a grade 6 or above. A Level Maths can help enormously with other A Levels such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics, and Psychology. This course will help students to think in a logical way, something which is vital in putting across arguments, so can be equally helpful with essay based subjects.

Course content:

Pure Mathematics - Proof, Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponential and logarithms, differentiation, integration, and numerical methods.

Mechanics-Vectors, Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton's laws, and Moments

Statistics- Statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.

Where can this subject lead?

Maths is an A Level entry requirement at university for a widening number of subjects. Not only that, admissions tutors and employers all give a huge amount of kudos to prospective students and employees who have studied maths. Maths has a number of transferable skills including logical skills, problem solving and analytical skills. The Russell Group Universities lists maths as a facilitating subject. The skills students develop can lead to higher education options in mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, economics, medicine, psychology, archaeology, veterinary science, forensic science, accountancy, actuary and teaching.

How is this course assessed? There are three papers of two hours at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1-Pure Mathematics

Paper 2-Pure and Mechanics

Paper 3-Pure and Statistics.

There is no coursework in this A level.

Three x 2 hour papers sat at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 Pure Mathematics.

Paper 2 Pure and Mechanics.

Paper 3 Pure and Statistics.

There is no coursework in this A Level.

To join the Sixth Form there is an entry criteria of five standard passes at GCSE (at least a Grade 4). This must include at least a Grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE. Students will need to gain at least a Grade 4 in the subjects they would like to study at A Level.

Additional Specific Subject Requirements:

Maths Grade 6 or above in Maths at GCSE.

Students then continue to an enormous variety of university courses including Accountancy, Law, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Medicine and all the Sciences, although some choose to go directly into work.