Mathematics

Subject Leader
Mr Private: Black

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