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Key Stage 5 Mathematics
Why choose Mathematics A/AS Level?
‘The highest form of pure thought is in mathematics.’ (Plato)
Mathematics A Level will help your understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes. It can make sense of ‘real world’ problems and help develop your ability to analyse and refine a model that describes a real life situation. It can boost your confidence and self-esteem and give you great satisfaction when you crack a problem. Mathematics can help you communicate effectively, both with written work and through discussing concepts with others. You can acquire new IT skills through the use of graphical calculators and graphing computer packages. But perhaps most importantly, you will study an enjoyable and rewarding subject that is both relevant and useful to your life and your future career.
Your modules
Post 16 Mathematics is divided into two parts: Core and Applied.
- Core Maths, to some extent, builds on topics covered in GCSE Maths including geometry with co-ordinates, sequences, trigonometry and vectors. It also introduces the new topic of calculus, which involves gradients of curves and areas under curves.
- Applied Maths is divided into two areas: Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics is the study of the use of data, how to set up appropriate models for sets of data, estimating values in a population by using a sample and probability. Mechanics is the study of forces and of movement.
On your marks...
|
Year 12 |
Raw Score Max Mark |
UMS |
Examination |
|
Core 1 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Non-Calc |
|
Core 2 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Calc |
|
Statistics 1 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Calc |
|
Year 13 |
|
|
|
|
Core 3 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Calc |
|
Core 4 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Calc |
|
Mechanics 1 |
75 |
100 |
1.5hr Calc |
To Put this in Perspective...
| Year 12 (AS Level) | UMS | Grade |
| 240 | A | |
| 210 | B | |
| 180 | C | |
| 150 | D | |
| 120 | E | |
| Year 13 (A Level) | UMS | Grade |
| 480 | A | |
| 420 | B | |
| 360 | C | |
| 300 | D | |
| 240 | E |
You can also achieve an A* overall in your A Level if you achieve an A overall and you average 90% in your A2 modules.
We follow the Edexcel (www.edexcel.co.uk) scheme of learning. Click on the following link to access more information on the scheme of learning, formula booklet and support materials:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/maths/Pages/default.aspx
A great website to look at is http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/goodsites.htm. This page lists a lot of excellent websites that could give you a flavour of what topics you will study.
Who takes this course?
We advise that anyone who achieves a grade B or above in their GCSE.
What skills will I learn?
All sorts of skills, relevant to your life and the other subjects that you study:
- Logical reasoning
- You will be able to tackle problems mathematically and analyse and refine models that you produce
- Communication skills, both through written and oral explanations
- IT skills will improve as you use computer software and graphical calculators
- Increased responsibility for your own learning and gain a deeper understanding of mathematical problems.
What could this lead to in the future?
Mathematics is one of those subjects that can fit in with many things you may want to do in the future. It is especially vital if you want to study a Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Engineering based course at Higher Education.
How will this fit into my life?
Students who take Mathematics often also study from a wide range of subjects such as Geography, Biology and Business Studies and allows you to gain a non-arts/humanities qualification.
What do I do now?
Talk to your Mathematics teacher and get some advice as to whether the course could be right for you. Making an appointment to see your school careers advisor is also a good idea.
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