Mathematics (A Level)

The course starts from the end of Higher Level GCSE and opens up a whole new dimension in mathematics. The main part of the course is made up of the Core modules (Pure Mathematics), which take the algebra and trigonometry studied at GCSE on further and introduce calculus; one of the most important and powerful of all the areas of mathematics

What you will learn

Algebra will be particularly integral to your studies, and you should, by the end of the course, become as fluent with algebra as you would expect to be with arithmetic at the end of GCSE. The statistics module takes on the work done at GCSE, covering ways of analysing and displaying numerical data and of drawing conclusions from this. Probability theory is also developed beyond GCSE. The Mechanics module covers analysis of forces, acceleration, momentum and similar concepts to model real world physical situations.

How you will learn

Topics will be taught in a natural progression that will allow previous learnt skills to be applied and built upon. Much of the learning in mathematics comes through practise and rigour. Once a new topic has been learnt in class, deep understanding and mastery is developed through smart exercises and assessments,

Year 1

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Proof
• Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
• Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
• Topic 4 – Trigonometry
• Topic 5 – Exponentials and logarithms
• Topic 6 – Differentiation
• Topic 7 – Integration
• Topic 8 – Vectors

Content overview

Statistics

• Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
• Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
• Topic 3 – Probability
• Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
• Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Mechanics

• Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics
• Topic 7 – Kinematics
• Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws

Year 2

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Proof
• Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
• Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
• Topic 4 – Sequences and series
• Topic 5 – Trigonometry
• Topic 6 – Differentiation
• Topic 7 – Integration
• Topic 8 – Numerical methods

Content overview

Statistics

• Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
• Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
• Topic 3 – Probability
• Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
• Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Mechanics

• Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics
• Topic 7 – Kinematics
• Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws
• Topic 9 – Moments

Assessment 1. Pure Mathematics 1, written examination, 2 hours, 33.3% of final grade

The examination will be based around the following topics:

Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane. Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration and Vectors

Assessment 2. Pure Mathematics 2, written examination, 2 hours, 33.3% of final grade

The examination will be based around the following topics:

Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane. Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration and Vectors

Assessment 3. Statistics and Mechanics, written examination, 2 hours, 33.3% of final grade

The examination is broken down into two sections and based around the following topics:

Section A: Statistics

Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions and Statistical hypothesis testing.

Section B: Mechanics

Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws and Moments

College basic entry requirements

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics

Where Next?

Progression in Mathematics can be in fields such as science, commerce, engineering and computing. In addition to specific skills, the Mathematics course develops the ability to think clearly and logically through problems and as such is a widely respected qualification with universities and employers.

Course Combinations

The course combines well with several A Level subjects including Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Business and Economics.