Mathematics

Course Aims

A Level and AS Level Mathematics aim to enable students to:

• Read, understand, analyse and criticise mathematical argument
• Use the language and notation of Mathematics clearly as a means of communication and of problem solving
• Develop an appreciation and enjoyment of Mathematics
• Acquire the skills needed for the study of Mathematics and other related subjects in Higher Education

As far as possible topics are related to real life examples but, by comparison with GCSE, A Level Mathematics is still a very abstract subject. Some students with excellent GCSE grades find it difficult to make the change to this way of thought, so all should seek advice from their teachers as to whether they are likely to enjoy and succeed at this course. Anyone with a Grade B or lower at GCSE is likely to find the transition difficult. For those who adapt to it and are prepared to work hard, the course can be very rewarding, in terms of personal satisfaction and examination results.

A Level Unit / Module Contents

The core maths modules extend and develop GCSE work on algebra, trigonometry and series. Surds and indices are extended, including the relationship between logarithms and indices. Differential and integral calculus are new key ideas that are introduced.

Assessment: The AS will be assessed by three examinations. There is no coursework in AS Maths

A2 Level Unit / Module Contents

In Core Maths students study further functions and calculus techniques, differential equations and three dimensional vectors. Statistics includes representation of data, probability distributions and measures of correlation

Assessment: The A2 will be assessed by three examinations. There is no coursework in A2 Maths

Calculators

During the course students get to know a powerful graphical calculator. It provides a vivid interpretation of many aspects of the subject and is used in almost every lesson, offering many ways for enterprising students to enhance their skills in programming and statistics, as well as their awareness of the graphs of functions. It is essential that students have a graphics calculator. Students should also retain their GCSE calculators.