Mathematical Studies

Course summary

If you want to extend your study of mathematics beyond GCSE but are not looking to study a full A-level in mathematics, then core maths is for you! The emphasis in this mathematical study is on the application that maths has to real life and it will also help you with maths in your other subjects, such as psychology, geography, and the sciences. Lessons will promote the use of ICT in the form of laptops, iPads, and calculators to enhance your study of mathematics, developing your analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning. Financial maths - including loans, credit cards, mortgages, savings and investments, tax and National Insurance, student loans. Statistics - build on the skills developed at GCSE such as averages, scatter diagrams, and histograms. The normal distribution is introduced. Fermi estimation - learn how to use estimation skills to answer questions such as ‘How much water do all the households in the UK use in a year?’ Critical analysis - learn to criticize the mathematical presentation of others and find flaws in their arguments. Should you believe everything written in the newspapers?