Mathematics

Course summary

Studying mathematics to A-level opens up a wealth of education and career opportunities for the future. Pupils like its challenge, clarity and the fact that you know when you are right; it is entirely possible to get 100% in mathematics exams. The solution of a problem brings excitement and satisfaction. Mathematics is about patterns and structures, and logical analysis, deduction and calculation within these patterns and structures. When patterns are found, often in widely different areas of science and technology, mathematics can be used to explain and control natural happenings and situations. There are two main branches to the Sixth Form study of this subject: pure and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics is a continuation of the subject that was taken at GCSE where the principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry are developed to a higher level and calculus is introduced. Applied mathematics consists of mechanics and statistics. In mechanics, an attempt is made to apply the principles of pure mathematics to real life (mechanical) systems. In statistics, the emphasis is on exploring data, probability and hypothesis testing.