Mathematics is a universal subject that has applications in many other areas of study. An essential part of mathematics is the challenge of analysing a problem and developing an effective strategy to find a viable solution. Mathematics is not about learning facts. You will not achieve success by just reading a textbook or by revising from detailed notes; you will spend your time thinking about logical processes and developing understanding of abstract concepts. In addition, you will need to ‘do’ mathematics and your time will be spent working through problems. It teaches you to think in a logical way, something which is vital when putting across a coherent argument. Mathematics A-level is well respected by employers and admissions tutors for all degree subjects and is considered a good platform for a wide variety of courses. Our opinion is that mathematics gets more interesting the further you take it and can lead to some surprising areas of further study. At GCSE, you are building the foundations so that you have the tools which will enable you to understand many interesting A-level topics. However, compared to GCSE mathematics, this A-level is more abstract and understanding of algebraic processes is a central skill. All students who take A-level mathematics will study pure mathematics units which will develop rigorous thinking and an appreciation of the beauty within abstract processes. You will also study the application of mathematics to both statistics and mechanics. The use of technology is an integral part of this course, so you will develop an appreciation of the use of calculators and spreadsheets and graphing software for mathematical investigation.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 2-hour examination Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 2-hour examination Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics 2-hour examination
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
Mathematics is a universal subject that has applications in many other areas of study. An essential part of mathematics is the challenge of analysing a problem and developing an effective strategy to find a viable solution. Mathematics is not about learning facts. You will not achieve success by just reading a textbook or by revising from detailed notes; you will spend your time thinking about logical processes and developing understanding of abstract concepts. In addition, you will need to ‘do’ mathematics and your time will be spent working through problems. It teaches you to think in a logical way, something which is vital when putting across a coherent argument. Mathematics A-level is well respected by employers and admissions tutors for all degree subjects and is considered a good platform for a wide variety of courses. Our opinion is that mathematics gets more interesting the further you take it and can lead to some surprising areas of further study. At GCSE, you are building the foundations so that you have the tools which will enable you to understand many interesting A-level topics. However, compared to GCSE mathematics, this A-level is more abstract and understanding of algebraic processes is a central skill. All students who take A-level mathematics will study pure mathematics units which will develop rigorous thinking and an appreciation of the beauty within abstract processes. You will also study the application of mathematics to both statistics and mechanics. The use of technology is an integral part of this course, so you will develop an appreciation of the use of calculators and spreadsheets and graphing software for mathematical investigation.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 2-hour examination Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 2-hour examination Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics 2-hour examination