A Level Mathematics

Introduction – why choose this subject?

The A Level Mathematics course is designed to increase students understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study. It is a requirement of several University courses such as Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Economics, IT and Finance.

The Edexcel A Level Mathematics course is split into three key areas; Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics extends Algebra, Trigonometry, Graphs and introduces Calculus. Statistics develops the modelling of the distribution of data and tries to answer questions such as ‘How likely is it for an adult female to be taller than 6 feet?’ Mechanics models real life physical situations. For example, it helps to answer the questions ‘How closely will ships pass each other if they continue on their present course?’ and ‘What forces will be generated when two objects crash into each other?’.

It is essential that students' GCSE Maths skills are fluent prior to starting the course; in particular skills of algebraic manipulation. All students will be given a transition pack to complete over the summer to assist with this. In September, students will sit a baseline assessment to ensure that their GCSE Maths skills are up to the standard required for the course and support is provided in the first term if required.

Students will have two A-Level Maths teachers who share the delivery across 8 or 9 hours per fortnight.

Students will sit three papers at the end of the two year course as follows:

• Paper 1 - Pure Mathematics 1
• Paper 2 - Pure Mathematics 2
• Paper 3 – Statistics and Mechanics

All of the three papers are equally weighted and scientific calculators are allowed in all of the above papers.

How is the course examined?

Maths is assessed on 100% examinations

• Pure: Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods, Vectors.
• Statistics: Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing
• Mechanics: Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws, Moments

Equipment

Students are required to have their own Graphical Calculator. 1 Leaver arch file and dividers.

Recommended Textbooks:

• Pearson Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics Pure Mathematics & Pearson Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics Statistics & Mechanics
• Pearson Edexcel A level Mathematics Pure Mathematics Year 2 & Pearson Edexcel A level Mathematics Statistics & Mechanics Year 2 Textbook

Homework

Year 12 - Students will receive one piece of homework per week, per teacher. Every fortnight they will receive exam style questions. Year 13 - Students will receive one piece of homework per week, per teacher. Every fortnight they will receive exam style questions. It is important to stress that due to the high demands of the A Level Further Maths course, in addition to the above we expect students to complete roughly 1 hour of independent study for every 1 hour that they have in school. This work is known as Classwork+.

Learning outside the classroom

UKMT Maths Challenge

Maths Inspiration Days/Trips

Year 12 and Year 13 Maths Drop In

Year 13 ‘Maths Mondays’