A Level - Level 3
Do you enjoy a challenge and want an A Level that is highly regarded by universities and employers alike? To study Mathematics at advanced level you must have a determination to succeed and a passion for successfully solving problems. The course is based on Edexcel Mathematics. There are three areas of study for the exam – Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.
The focus of the Pure Mathematics aspect is to further develop elements of the mathematics that you will have explored at GCSE. It will be a continuation of work on topics such as solving quadratic equations, factorising, sketching curves, vectors and trigonometry. You will also extend your mathematical knowledge further by learning how to differentiate and integrate; fundamental to Calculus.
Statistics explores some of the handling data GCSE topics that you have already seen, but to a further level. You will complete calculations that will help you better explore the spread of data, correlation shown on scatter graphs and whether hypothesis are deemed to be plausible. Mechanics is the study of motion. It looks at the way that a physical body moves when subjected to a force. Much of the work is based around Newton’s three laws of motion. Statistics and Mechanics allow you to apply Mathematics to real life scenarios.
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics - Written examination: 2 hours, 33.33% of the qualification, 100 marks.
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics - Written examination: 2 hours, 33.33% of the qualification, 100 marks.
Paper 1 and 2 content: Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, Sequences
and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods, Vectors. Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics - Written examination: 2 hours, 33.33% of the qualification, 100 marks.
Paper 3 content: Section A (Statistics) - Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distribution, Statistical hypothesis testing.
Section B (Mechanics) - Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws, Moments.
For A Level Mathematics students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.
Is there anything else I should know?
The exam board recommend the Casio fx991-EX. This can be purchased through the school in order to get the best price. There is no coursework in A Level Mathematics.
Mathematics is highly regarded and considered a ‘facilitating subject’ for the top universities in the country, regardless of the degree that you wish to study. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to progress onto Law and other ‘humanities’ subjects but also for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well
as Business or Management. Mathematics A Level is an essential requirement for many mathematics and science based courses at degree level. It is also a highly regarded and valuable qualification for a wide range of professions including Engineering, Computing, Economics, Accountancy and Actuarial work and is a suitable qualification for undergraduate courses in subjects such as Psychology, Law, Medicine and Business & Management Studies.