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Why Study A Level Mathematics?
You may well be considering a career that will require some post-16 Mathematics. This may include the study of Mathematics at University – or a subject with strong mathematical links – and there are many: the sciences, engineering, computing, business and finances.
A level Mathematics is widely regarded as a good qualification to have. During the course, you will be given opportunities to develop many skills. Some of these are specifically related to Mathematics, and some have relevance outside it. Those skills that can be used in other contexts are called transferable skills and are in high demand - the ability to solve problems, to communicate well, to learn quickly and to organise your time.
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A Level subjects which may be of interest: |
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 The
Course
We seek to provide a general, broad
based A level that will meet the needs of mathematicians and also students
studying sciences and/or humanities subjects. The A level is offered
by MEI (Mathematics in Engineering and Industry) and is accredited
by OCR – one of the three major examining bodies.
It is a modular course, and students study three modules in year 12 to achieve
an award in AS Mathematics. Those that are successful, and wish to proceed, then
study a further three modules to complete the six that form an A level in Mathematics.
We also offer a second AS and A level - in Further Mathematics. This
has to be taken in conjunction with the “single” A
level and following three (year 12) or six (year 13) modules culminates
in a completely separate second award. Some students will elect
to follow Further Mathematics as their fourth A level choice, and
drop it at the end of year 12. An AS in Further Mathematics is
an extremely valuable award, and this route can be very productive.
Students who intend to study a mathematically based subject at
University should study Further Mathematics.
There are further modules in addition to the 12 listed
below, that could be offered to strong mathematicians who may wish
to pursue the qualification "Additional Further Mathematics".
It is also possible to study further modules beyond the
six required for A Level for those intending to pursue Mathematics,
Engineering or Physics to degree level. We feel that this scheme
makes Mathematics more accessible, more relevant and allows flexibility
in course design. |
Content
Our
A level in Mathematics has the following structure:
Year 12:
Introduction to Advanced Mathematics (Core 1)
Concepts for Advanced Mathematics (Core 2)
Statistics (Statsistics 1)
Year 13:
Methods for Advanced Mathematics (Core 3) - includes 20% coursework
Applications of Advance Mathematics (Core 4) - includes synoptic paper
Mechanices (Mechanics 1)
Core 1 – Core 4 forms the common base of the A level. The content
here is pure mathematics – algebra, calculus, trigonometry
and geometry. It is these four modules that all A level students
have to study, and that universities primarily require. Statistics
1 and Mechanics 1 are applied modules which take mathematics and
apply it to real life situations.
The
structure of our Further
Mathematics A level is similar:
In addition to the six Mathematics modules:
Year 12:
Futher concepts for Advanced Mathematics (Further Pure 1)
Decision Mathematics (Decision 1)
Numerical Methods - includes 20% coursework.
Year 13:
Further Methods for Advanced Mathematics (Further Pure 2)
Statistics (Statistics 2)
Mechanics (Mechanics 2)
The Further Pure units address some of the pure mathematics content
not dealt with in the core (and useful for engineering and maths).
Assessment
The modules are assessed by external examination at
four points throughout the sixth form years. Students will sit
Core 1 (and
possibly Further Pure 1) in January of year 12. In summer, they
will sit Core 2 and Statistics 1 (and Numerical Methods and Decision
1). In January of year 13 they will take Core 3 and Mechanics 1
(also Statistics 2 and Mechanics 2), finishing off with Core 4
(Further Pure 2) at the end of year 13.
Each examination lasts an
hour and a half, and may be re-taken to improve on marks. There
is an element of coursework in Core
3 and in Numerical Methods.
Homework & Private
Study
We tend to set homework after every
single lesson – either
practice work to complete, or private study. If you are to make
the best progress you can you will need to take homework and private
study very seriously.
Entry
Requirements
Students need to have gained at least a B from
the Higher tier at GCSE in order to study A level Mathematics.
An A or A* is preferable
for the study of Further Mathematics.
Study
Materials
Pupils will be provided with a text book suitable
for the module they are currently studying. Additional materials,
including revision
sheets and sample past examination papers, are available within
the A level Mathematics section in the password protected area
of the school web-site.
ICT
Students will have the opportunity
to use ICT where it supports the teaching of maths. We will specifically
make use of Excel
(a spreadsheet) and Autograph (a graph plotting program) and
graphics calculators for investigative teaching – alongside
various other pieces of software for our didactic teaching..
The
examination for the first module – Core 1 – is
a non calculator paper. For all the other examinations, a graphical
calculator can be used (although an ordinary scientific calculator
is adequate). We do recommend these – the vast majority
of other A level students across the country will be using one.
You can order one via school towards the end of the autumn term.
Provided our order is big enough we should be able to purchase
them at a discounted price. The current price for
the Casio FX-9750GPlus (the one we tend to use at school) is
about
£40. |
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