Maths - A Level
"I travel from Bridlington to study Maths here because the teaching methods and standards are excellent.”
Entry Requirements
Three GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 7 in GCSE Maths
Subject Intent
Studying A Level Mathematics encourages learners to think and act mathematically, using mathematical skills and forms of communication to analyse situations within mathematics and elsewhere. Mathematics underpins all areas of our lives and studying maths allows students to think logically and break complex problems into smaller steps. The course emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and demonstrates how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business.
It provides a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace. The material covered supports the mathematical techniques used in other subjects; Engineering, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Students of A Level develop vital logical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Course Introduction
A Level Mathematics is fascinating, challenging, and elegant, and provides a qualification much in demand for a wide range of careers. Studying maths will help you to develop crucial skills which are highly valued by universities and employers such as the ability to think logically, solve problems and communicate complex ideas effectively.
The course will extend your knowledge of algebra and trigonometry as well data handling and probability in statistics. You will also learn about calculus and vectors. A Level Maths is challenging however you will enjoy its clarity and the fact that you know when you’re right!
In their second year Maths students have the opportunity to be involved in our exchange trip to Östersund, Sweden to study maths collaboratively with Swedish students (and also experience winter sports activities).
The course requires a calculator with more functionality than those generally used at GCSE. The Casio fx-991CW meets the specifications and is very good although a graphical calculator (eg the Casio fx-CG50) is advantageous
Course Modules
Year 1
In the first year you will study topics in pure mathematics such as proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, calculus and vectors. You will additionally study topics from both Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics includes statistical sampling, data presentation, probability, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing and Mechanics looks at quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics (the study of motion), Forces and Newton’s laws
Year 2
In the second year you will continue the study of pure mathematics looking more deeply at topics including proof, algebra, graphs, sequences and series, trigonometry, calculus and numerical methods. You will also continue the study of Statistics, including using the normal distribution and further topics in Mechanics including Newton’s laws and moments.
Calculators are needed and the Casio fx-991CW is highly recommended.
Assessment
A-Level Mathematics is assessed by three 2 hour exams at the end of the two years.
Course Fact
Maths students have the opportunity to be involved in our exchange trip to Östersund, Sweden to study maths and experience winter sports activities
Example Career Opportunities
Engineer | Quantity Surveyor | Data Analyst | Financial Advisor | Barrister | Chartered Accountant
Forensic Computer Analyst | Economist | Architect | Actuary