Mathematics (A Level)

Getting back to your square roots

Head of Department: Ms N Poynter

This course builds on the knowledge and skills that you acquired during your GCSE. It will increase your understanding of familiar ideas and introduce you to new concepts and techniques. You will apply mathematical ideas in the context of statistics and mechanics.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION (MATHEMATICS)

Entry Criteria for A Level Study:
You should have at least a grade 7 in GCSE maths. The general Sixth Form entry requirements for A levels also apply - you need mostly 5s or higher across your GCSEs and ideally a 4 at GCSE English Language.
Exam Specification: Edexcel
Curriculum Map and Learning Journey (KS3 to 5)

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?

The A Level Maths course follows several strands; two thirds of the content is Algebra/Calculus based, and one third is a mixture of the applied subjects Mechanics and Statistics. There are no optional units, everyone studies the same material. Mechanics builds on Newtonian ideas of motion and forces and is strongly linked to physics. Statistics allows us to make sense of the world around us through data analysis. The key theme is a continued study of algebra and graphs.

The A Level exam consists of three two-hour papers; the first two cover the Pure Maths content, the third paper will test the Applied Maths content: both Statistics and Mechanics.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?

In Year 12, the pure content starts with new topics: binomial expansion and differentiation which is studied alongside the more familiar topics of algebraic expressions and equations first met in GCSE and goes on to cover graphs and their transformations. Students will look at real life applications of logarithic graphs and differentiation. The applied paper content covers an introduction to mechanics (motion in a straight line and due to gravity) and an extension of some of the statistical techniques that were taught in GCSE and build upon their understanding of probability.

In Year 13, the applied content extends to resolving forces in Mechanics, and in Statistics, discrete random variables and the normal distribution. The pure content extends and enriches the skills of differentiation and integration and builds on the trigonometry learned at GCSE and in Year 12.

You will use a variety of methods and techniques to help you develop and understand the concepts and techniques used.

During lessons you will

extend your ability to solve equations in more complex situations, learn more about sketching graphs and will be introduced to calculus, which is the corner stone of much advanced mathematics
investigate series, functions and graphs
investigate practical problems in statistics and mechanics
work independently and in groups to tackle problems and then present the solutions.

You will have six fifty-minute lessons per week, two of which will cover the applied topics. In addition to using a textbook, you will use websites such as examsolutions, physicsandmathstutor and drfrostmaths.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?

At the end of the second year, you sit three 2 hour exams that assess all the content covered during the two years of study. Two of the papers cover Pure Maths, and the third paper covers the Applied (Mechanics and Statistics).

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 : External written examination, 33.3% of A Level

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 : External written examination, 33.3% of A Level

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics : External written examination, 33.3% of A Level

WHICH OTHER SUBJECTS GO WELL WITH Maths?

The statistical element of mathematics supports the study of subjects such as biology, business studies, economics, geography, psychology and sociology. The Mechanics part of mathematics supports the study of physics. However, students do take mathematics with a wide range of other subjects including fine art, drama and theatre studies, photography and history. As such it is labelled as a ‘facilitating’ subject.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?

An A-Level in Mathematics opens up career choices in actuary, accountancy, finance, industry, consultancy, operational or economic modelling, planning, analysis and post-graduate research. A study comparing income levels and educational background concluded that having a Maths A Level can increase long-term earning power by 7–10% (Source: London School of Economics).

Mathematics is also highly regarded and provides strong support to any application for employment or further study. The applied units in mechanics and/or statistics are necessary for many courses in science and engineering. The statistics studied at A Level is very useful for many courses in the social sciences.

The study of pure mathematics develops logical thinking and a systematic approaches to problem solving - attributes which are highly valued in the workplace.

WHICH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

Strong literacy skills
Problem solving
Teamwork
Analytical skills
Numeracy skills

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATHS

Q: I’ve heard that A level maths is hard. Is the step up from GCSE really big?
A: The short answer is yes, and that is why mathematics is so rewarding and so well respected as a qualification. Even if you have been good at maths since primary school, it is not possible to be successful at A level without putting in the time and effort. Independent study cannot be quickly finished at the last minute, it takes time, around 6 hours each week outside the classroom. Once you have established a system with a good routine of doing some mathematics every day, you can make the step up.

Q: What if I get stuck?
A: We know that some of the maths content can be quite challenging, and we know that students need support. This is why we are exceptionally well resources in supporting students succeed. Everyone will get stuck at some point, our aim is to help you progress a little bit further than you may feel comfortable, but support you as we do so, this helps you to make progress and develop into even better mathematicians. You can attend Yr 12 or Yr 13 Maths Club to get help with questions from an experienced maths teacher. We have a very open door policy in the maths team at Gumley, students are welcome to come and find maths teachers in their supervised study sessions to ask for help with questions.

Q: What do you do in A level maths?
A: A level mathematics builds on the algebra you studied at GCSE. We use the skills you learned solving equations, simultaneous equations and quadratic equations and extend them. Two thirds of the course is pure mathematics, but there is also one sixth mechanics, which links well with physics, and one sixth statistics, the study of data.

Q: What are classes like?
A: There are between 10 and 20 students in a mathematics class. In a 100 minute lesson you will enjoy a variety of activities including working in pairs on mini-whiteboards and working individually to consolidate your learning. Since everyone shares your passion for mathematics, there is a very supportive and productive atmosphere in the classroom.

HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR STUDENTS

CAREERS AND LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION

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