Mathematics

Course summary

When you study Mathematics, you will not only learn new skills, but will apply them to solving problems. You will see how real life situations can be simplified so that mathematical techniques can be used to achieve solutions. As well as being worth studying in its own right, mathematics also provides a useful support for many other subjects and is a sought after qualification for entry to a wide range of careers and courses in Higher Education. In Year 12, pupils will study three modules needed for the AS level. These will be Pure Maths , Statistics and Mechanics. These are assessed by formal examination at the end of the study period with Pure Maths accounting for 100 marks. Statistics and Mechanics are assessed together with 30 marks available for each subject area. Year 13 is a continuation of the three modules covering more Pure Maths,Statistics and Mechanics. Again assessment is by formal written examination, but this time with two Pure Maths papers of 100 marks each and one combined Statistics and Mechanics paper with a total of 100 marks shared equally between the two subjects. In both Years 12 and 13, the mechanics module has close links to physics and engineering, whilst statistics is very useful in subjects such as biology, geography and economics. Pupils who enjoy the challenge of solving mathematical problems may wish to study AS or A Level Further Maths in addition to the A level. They will need to be fluent and confident in algebra in order to provide a firm foundation for the mathematical concepts involved. Although it is predominantly the same subject, it does count as a separate A level and does take Mathematics to the next level. Students who wish to take just the AS in Further Maths would study this alongside the AS Maths in Year 12, studying Further Mechanics and Further Statistics in addition, dropping down to just the three A Level modules in Year 13. The AS Further Maths exams could be taken at the end of Year 12. Those who choose to do the full Further Maths course will be assessed in Core Pure Maths, Further Statistics and Further Mechanics at the end of Year 13. The Further Mathematics course is an excellent pathway to mathematical or engineering studies at university.