Aims and objectives The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: • understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study • extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques • understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected • apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general • use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematics rationale for these decisions clearly • reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning • generalise mathematically • construct mathematical proofs • use their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems that require them to decide on the solution strategy • recognise when mathematics can be used to analyse and solve a problem in context • represent situations mathematically and understand the relationship between problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve them • draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions • make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical reasoning • interpret solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively in the context of the problem • read and comprehend mathematical arguments, including justifications of methods and formulae, and communicate their understanding • read and comprehend articles concerning applications of mathematics and communicate their understanding • use technology such as calculators and computers effectively and recognise when their use may be inappropriate • take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development