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