Mathematics

Course summary

The A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics courses aim to enable students to acquire knowledge and skills which are practised with confidence, satisfaction and enjoyment. They will develop resourcefulness in solving a wide variety of problems, leading to an increased understanding of mathematical manipulation, reasoning, logical deduction and inference. The linear Mathematics A-Level comprises three compulsory branches of Mathematics: Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. Pure Mathematics comprises two-thirds of the A-Level content and continues the subject studied at GCSE building largely on the algebra and trigonometry sections of the syllabus. Calculus is developed and applied in many different situations. Pure Mathematics also provides the essential tools for use in the other disciplines and in other subjects. Statistics develops the basic ideas of probability, data handling and analysis introduced at GCSE level. Pupils will also become familiar with large data sets and how to extract and analyse data from them. The emphasis has shifted to interpretation and data handling rather than relying heavily on calculation. As such pupils will require a calculator specifically suited to A-Level which they will be advised on. Statistics is relevant to Biology, Geography, Economics and Business. Mechanics is the mathematical application of the equations of motion, Newton’s laws, forces, work, energy and power; it provides a valuable link with this area of Physics.