Course content

The aims of the course are that pupils:

• develop the understanding of mathematical processes
• develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning
• to generalize and to construct mathematical proofs
• extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems
• connect different areas of mathematics together
• apply mathematics to the real world
• develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general;
• take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Entry requirements

Mathematics is a sequential subject and each module build upon previous modules. Therefore pupils will need to have a solid grasp of the algebraic skills involved at Higher tier GCSE.

Assessment

There are 2 modules in Year 12 which carry 40% of the full A level marks: Pure Maths A which is a 2 hours 30 mins paper and an Applied Maths A which is 1 hour 45 mins.  The Applied Paper is split into a Mechanics and Statistics section.

There are a further 2 modules in Year 13: Pure Maths B which is a 2 hours 30 mins paper and an Applied Maths B which is 1 hour 45 mins.  The Applied Paper is split into a Mechanics and Statistics section.

Future opportunities

The AS and A level courses are enjoyable courses for those who like Maths as well as good preparation for further studies in Maths-related courses such as the sciences, computing and engineering.

Many universities offer joint honours courses of Maths with Physics, Computing, French, German, Music, Philosophy and many more.

It can also be used as a complete course in Mathematics or to provide a firm mathematical foundation to be used in employment.

Course Downloads:

• A Level Mathematics Specification