Mathematics

MATHEMETICS / FURTHER MATHEMATICS / STATISTICS

What courses are available?
*Further Mathematics (AS or A-level)
Mathematics with Mechanics (AS and A-level)
Mathematics with Statistics (AS and A-level)
Statistics (AS or A-level)

*Further Mathematics students must also take A-level Mathematics.

What does studying this subject involve?
Mathematics encourages students to think logically and develop the skills and
knowledge required for solving a wide range of practical or abstract problems.

In Core Maths (also known as Pure Maths) you will extend your knowledge of such topics as algebra and trigonometry as well as introduce new ideas such as differentiation and integration (jointly referred to as calculus). The course content is interesting in its own right, but also serves as an important foundation for other branches of mathematics, physical and social sciences.

Mechanics allows students to apply their mathematical knowledge to the solution of practical problems. These might include the motion of a car, the flight of a cricket ball, the stresses in a bridge or the motion of the earth around the sun. Such situations are simplified using mathematical modeling, so that solutions can be found in a relatively simple way. Studying mechanics is an essential introduction for later study of robotics, bio-mechanics, sports science and engineering.

Studying Statistics allows students to analyse and summarise numerical data from questionnaires or experiments in order to arrive at conclusions about it. The ideas from this course have applications ranging from assessing what your car insurance is going to cost to how likely it is that the Earth will be hit by a comet in the next few years. Many of the techniques are used in science and social science courses as well as market research.

In Decision Maths, which forms part of the Further Maths course, you will learn methods that allow you to solve problems involving networks, systems, planning and resource allocation. The ideas have important applications ranging from the design of circuits to the scheduling of tasks required to build an Olympic venue.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?
You should enjoy the challenge of analysing and solving problems and the satisfaction and confidence gained from achieving the correct answer. You will need to work hard and be determined to master the skills and techniques by repeating questions that have proved difficult. You will not be required to write essays, but need to communicate well in written work to explain your solutions and the significance of your results.

Where could studying this subject lead me?
An AS or A-level in mathematics is very valuable as a supporting subject to other A-level courses, especially in science, geography, psychology, economics, business studies and sociology. It is an extremely well respected and much sought after qualification for entry to a wide variety of higher education courses and is strongly recommended for economics, medicine, architecture, engineering, accountancy, teaching, psychology, physics, computing, information and communication technology as well as continued mathematical or statistical studies.

People entering today’s most lucrative industries such as IT, banking and the stock market need to be confident using mathematics on a daily basis.

Important things to consider
Maths is the easiest subject to score 100% in – but also the easiest one to score 0% in! It just depends on whether you understand what to do and how to apply your knowledge.

If you are taking Physics at AS or A-level, you must take Mathematics with Mechanic.

Entry requirements
Grade C or better at GCSE Mathematics for Statistics
Grade B or better at GCSE Mathematics for Mathematics (with Mechanics or Statistics)
Grade A or better at GCSE Mathematics for Further Mathematics.

Which other subjects does it combine well with?
Mathematics combines well with all other A-level subjects.

Progression in the subject between AS and A2
A sound knowledge of the AS modules is required for successful progression to A2 studies. The topics from AS are extended and the work becomes more complex and, in some cases, more abstract during the second part of the course.

Modules and assessment information
The course is assessed by a series of equally weighted external examinations of 1 hour 30 minutes each. Exams take place in January and May/June.
3 units are required for AS, 6 units for A-level and 12 units for the double award of mathematics and further mathematics.
Mathematics qualifications must contain C1 & C2 for AS and C1, C2, C3 & C4 for A-level.

Exam board
Edexcel for Mathematics and Further Mathematics
AQA for Statistics

Other useful information
The effective use of calculators in encouraged and expected in all units except C1.