Mathematics

Aims of the course

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques.
• understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected.
• apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general.
• use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearly.
• reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning.
• generalise mathematically.
• construct mathematical proofs.
• use their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems that require them to decide on the solution strategy.
• recognise when mathematics can be used to analyse and solve a problem in context.
• represent situations mathematically and understand the relationship between problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve them.
• draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret
• make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical reasoning.
• interpret solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively in the context of the problem.
• read and comprehend mathematical arguments, including justifications of methods and formulae, and communicate their understanding.
• read and comprehend articles concerning applications of mathematics and communicate their understanding.
• use technology such as calculators and computers effectively and recognise when their use may be inappropriate.
• take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Course content

In order to take Mathematics at A level we recommend students should have achieved at least a grade 7 in Mathematics GCSE.

The A level Mathematics course has been split into three units, Pure 1, Pure 2 and Statistics and Mechanics. Pure 1 is designed to be covered in Year 12, then built upon in Year 13. Statistics and Mechanics is covered in Year 12 and then built upon at Year 13.

A brief outline of each unit is given below:

Pure 1: Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Vectors.

Pure 2: Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods.

Statistics and Mechanics:

Section A: Statistics: Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing.

Section B: Mechanics: Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws, Moments.

Assessment

Assessment comprises of three written examinations – both taken in May/June 2023.

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1. The paper lasts 2 hours and is worth 100 marks.

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2. The paper lasts 2 hours and is worth 100 marks.

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics. Section A: Statistics (50 marks). Section B: Mechanics (50 marks). The paper lasts for 2 hours.

Career opportunities

Studying Mathematics helps you develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, which are valued by employers across many job sectors, such as;

• Actuarial analyst
• Actuary
• Chartered accountant
• Insurance underwriter
• Data analyst
• Investment analyst
• Research scientist
• Secondary school teacher
• Statistician
• Systems developer