Key stage 5
The Mathematics department offer four A-level courses:
- AS level in Mathematics
- AS in Further Mathematics*
- A level in Mathematics
- A level in Further Mathematics
The Edexcel examination board will be used.
It will not be possible to complete the AS in Further Mathematics in Year 12.
Each of the AS-courses are made up of 3 modules and the A level six modules, each equally weighted. An example for A level Mathematics is given below:
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|
| Core 1 (non-calculator; compulsory) | Core 3 (compulsory) |
| Core 2 (compulsory) | Core 4 (compulsory) |
| Applied Choice 1 | Applied Choice 2 |
The core units are Pure Mathematics units and the Applied units can be selected from various Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths modules. Modules requiring coursework will not be undertaken.
Mathematics A Level
Pure Mathematics
Pure Mathematics is common to all of the courses. The work is mostly of an abstract nature, although applications of the theory to real situations are studied when appropriate. The course extends the knowledge gained at GCSE level in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. New branches of Mathematics are introduced including the study of sequences and series, natural logarithms, complex numbers and most importantly, calculus, which is fundamental to many parts of the A level courses.
Mechanics
Mechanics is the study of the physical behaviour of objects. There are two main branches: Dynamics and Statics. Dynamics is concerned with the behaviour of moving objects and is mostly based on Newton’s laws of motion. Examples include particles projected through the air, motion in horizontal and vertical circles, collisions and simple harmonic motion such as the oscillations of a simple pendulum. Statics is the study of stationary objects and the forces required maintaining equilibrium. Examples include ladders leaning against walls and objects resting on inclined planes.
Statistics
Statistics is concerned with the mathematics of risk taking and decision making. A thorough grounding is given in probability theory and the graphical representation of data, correlation and regression, the normal distribution, the Binomial and Poisson distributions and continuous random variables.
Decision Mathematics
Decision Mathematics consists of algorithms, critical path analysis, flows in networks, linear programming, decision making in graphs and matchings.
In order to pursue the A Level Maths course, a thorough knowledge of the material contained in the higher levels of GCSE Mathematics must have been covered. Summer work is issued at the end of Year 11 and a fortnight induction programme undertaken in September.
Success in Mathematics at Advanced level requires a commitment to consistent work throughout the two-year course. Written assignments will be set each week and due to the hierarchical nature of the subject it is essential that these are completed and understood. If difficulties occur, the staff of the department is always willing to offer extra help and advice. This is not restricted to lesson time and it is usually beneficial to resolve problems between lessons so that difficulties are not compounded.
Further Mathematics A Level
This course is for students with exceptional interest in Mathematics who can cope with the demands of more work beyond that offered in the ordinary A level. It is of considerable benefit to those who wish to pursue Mathematics or a related subject such as Physics or Engineering to degree level. The course consists of the further study of Pure Mathematics and an introduction to Statistics and Decision mathematics. Those opting to study Further Mathematics must take certain applied modules for their ordinary A Level and the remaining modules as part of Further Mathematics. Discussion about each students suitability for this course must be undertaken with the Head of Department.
