Maths A Level

WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?

To study A Level Mathematics, you will need to achieve GCSE English Language at grade 5 or better, GCSE Mathematics at grade 6 or better, plus at least three additional GCSEs at grades 4 or better.

IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

A level Mathematics is an interesting and challenging course, which extends the methods and ideas you learned at GCSE. It prepares you well for university study and future employment.
Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geology, Computing, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, (and many more) rely on you having good mathematical skills.
Problem solving and modelling are key aspects of the course. Both the pure and applied mathematics that you will learn feeds into real life applications.

A level mathematics is split into 2 sections:

• Pure Mathematics broadens your mathematical skills and promoted deeper mathematical thinking. You will be introduced to interesting new areas of pure mathematics in a wider range of contexts.
• Statistics and Mechanics – Many subjects make use of statistical information and techniques. An understanding of probability and risk is important in careers like insurance, medicine, engineering and the sciences, Modelling with mechanics involves analysing the physical world around us, including the study of forces and motion. Mechanics is particularly useful to students studying physics and engineering.

WHERE WILL THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

Mathematics at such a high level opens many doors. Many students go on to study a wide range of courses in Higher Education such as mathematics, the sciences, engineering and accountancy to name a few. Skills learnt during this A-level can be easily applied in the work place. It shows employers that you are logical and can solve problems.

WHAT WILL I LEARN

Over the two years you will study:

Pure Mathematics: Algebraic expressions and algebraic methods, Quadratics, Equations and inequalities, Functions, Graphs and transformations, Straight-line graphs, Circles, The binomial expansion, Trigonometric identities, Trigonometric equations, Radians, Trigonometric functions, Trigonometry and modelling, Vectors, Differentiation, Integration, Sequences and Series, Parametric equations, Numerical methods

Statistics: Data collection, Measures of location and spread, Representations of data, Probability including Conditional probability, Statistical distributions (Binomial and the Normal) and Hypothesis testing, Regression, correlation and hypothesis testing.

Mechanics: Modelling in mechanics, Constant acceleration, Forces and motion, Variable acceleration, Moments, Forces and friction, Projectiles, Applications of forces, Further kinematics

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

All assessment for this course is through written examination.
A total of three papers which are two hours long. This involves two pure papers and a Statistics & Mechanics paper.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
See Mr Hesketh / Miss Kirby