Keystage 5

 

Students study A Level Maths and Further Maths for up to 3 years.

AS & A2 Level Maths

Exam Board

A-Level Maths OCR

Entry Requirements:

Grade B or above in GCSE. Maths. Standard Sixth Form requirements.

Outline of course content

‘AS' Level

Students will study three modules each. Core 1 will be examined in January with Core 2 and STATS 1 being examined in June.

Core 1 - This module contains an extension of the algebraic skills learnt in GCSE Maths with a particular focus on solving equations and drawing graphs.

Understanding of this module is essential for successful progression in this course. Students are not allowed to use a calculator in this module examination.

Core 2 - This module looks at extending the trigonometry skills that were learnt in GCSE Maths as well as introducing a new measure of angle (rather than degrees).

Additionally, calculus is met for the first time for example students will learn how to find the gradient of a curve.

Statistics 1 - This module explores how data can be presented in accurate and misleading ways as well as advancing the skills of calculating probability that were

learnt at GCSE level

A2 Level

A2 Maths requires a further three modules

Core 3 - This module extends the calculus techniques learnt in Core 2. Additionally, the graphing techniques learnt in Core 1 are built upon. 20% of this modules

mark is determined by coursework examining numerical methods of solving equations.

Core 4 - This module dramatically extends all of the techniques currently learnt as well as introducing new topics such as parametric equations. This module contains a

comprehension paper.

Mechanics 1 - Students will learn how to model the basic concepts in kinetics, statics and dynamics.

Careers and higher/further education

Mathematical skills are highly valued and sought after. Mathematical training disciplines the mind, develops logical and critical reasoning as well as developing

analytical and problem solving skills to a high degree. There are few careers which do not value a qualification in A Level Mathematics. Mathematical concepts,

models and techniques are also key to many vital areas of the knowledge economy, including the finance and ICT industries.

AS Level Core 1

Algebraic Skills

 

Core 2

Trigonometry Skills

 

STATS 1

Calculating Probability

 

A2 Level Core 3

Calculus

 

Core 4

Parametric Equations

 

Mechanics 1

Kinematics, Statics and Dynamics

 

Further Mathematics AS

Exam Board: OCR

 

Entry Requirements:

Grade A or above in GCSE Mathematics or completion of AS Maths. Standard Sixth Form requirements.

 

Course structure

AS Level Further Maths 1

Decision Maths 1

Numerical Methods 1

 

Outline of course content

Students will study three modules each worth one third of the final grade. The one compulsory module is called Further Maths 1. The optional modules that we currently teach are Decision Maths 1 and Numerical Methods 1.

Further Maths 1 - Students will study several new topics that are not included in GCSE or A Level Maths including complex numbers and matrices.

Decision Maths 1 - Students will study several diverse and flexible techniques suitable for use with modelling in a variety of situations.

Numerical Methods 1 - Students will develop methods for solving mathematical problems that cannot be solved with known analytical methods. This module contains one piece of coursework.

 

Careers and higher/further education

In addition to the benefits gained be studying AS Maths, AS Further Maths signals to all universities and employers that the student is an exceptional Mathematician with an enviable ability in the key skills demanded in today's competitive work force. This award enables universities to identify the most able Mathematicians when several applicants have high grades predicted in the "traditional" Mathematics A Level