Level 3 courses
Mathematics at this level is very dependent upon good algebraic skills and students enrolling on these courses will be expected to do some preparation work during the summer. This preparation work can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. There will be a short skills check on enrolment day which will be used to help decide the best course for you.
Mathematics AS/A2 • EDEXCEL
This is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.
Course Outline
6 units — 3 for AS and 3 for A2 level.
AS Level
You will study two pure maths modules and one applied maths module. The pure maths modules will include topics such as algebra, trigonometry, basic calculus and coordinate geometry. The applied maths module will be chosen from either statistics, mechanics or decision. This choice will be based on your other A level subjects, your career aspirations and the results of your skills check.
The statistics module will include topics such as descriptive statistics, probability, normal distribution and correlation & regression. The mechanics module will include topics such as vectors, straight line motion, forces and moments. The decision module will included topics such as linear programming, sorting and route inspection.
In order to qualify for the A2 course we expect you to achieve a pass at AS level including passes in both of the core modules.
A2 Level
You will study a further two pure maths modules and one more applied maths module. The pure maths modules will include topics such as partial fractions, vectors, calculus and functions The applied modules will generally follow on from the modules that you studied at AS level. However, there may be an opportunity to study a module in decision maths.
Each of the units is examined by a 1.5 hour exam. You will sit one exam in January and two exams in June in Year 13.
To be successful on this course, you will need to be hardworking and diligent, as each unit builds on earlier work. There is plenty of additional support provided to help students with the transition from GCSE to AS level.
For more information visit the
EdExcel Exam Board Website 
Further Mathematics Mathematics (Double Mathematics) AS/A2 • EDEXCEL
This is for those whose favourite subject is maths and who are hoping to pursue a course in mathematics or engineering at university. The class time each week is doubled and you can qualify in two A level subjects, Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Course Outline
12 units — 3 for AS Mathematics + 3 for A2 level Mathematics + 3 for AS Further Maths + 3 for A2 Further Maths.
Year 12
You will study three pure maths modules and three applied maths modules. The pure modules will include topics such as algebra, trigonometry, basic calculus, geometry, series, logarithms, functions, complex numbers and matrices. The applied modules will include statistics (with topics such as probability, normal distribution and correlation), mechanics (with topics such as vectors, forces and moments) and decision (with topics such as critical path analysis and sorting).
At the end of the lower sixth you will have two AS qualifications, one in Mathematics and one in Further Mathematics.
Year 13
You will study a further four pure maths modules and a selection of applied maths modules taken from statistics, mechanics and decision maths. The pure modules will include topics such as advanced calculus. complex numbers, differential equations, polar coordinates, coordinate systems, hyperbolic functions, matrices and proof. The statistics modules will include the binomial distribution and hypothesis testing. The mechanics modules will include projectiles, centres of mass and direct collisions. The decision module will include game theory, linear programming and dynamic programming.
Each of the units is examined by a 1.5 hour exam. You will sit two exams in January and four exams in June in both Year 12 and Year 13. It is possible to drop the further element of the course in year 13 and simply complete the A level in Mathematics.
For more information visit the EdExcel Exam Board Website
Use of Mathematics AS/A2 AQA
If you enjoy maths and using mathematical methods to solve real world problems, you will enjoy this course. It will provide the numerical background for other subjects such as Psychology, Geography, Biology, Business Studies or Physics. You will employ appropriate IT such as graphical calculators and software packages (e.g. Excel and Autograph) to support your mathematical analysis.
This course will enable you to:
- model real life situations — eg. spread of an epidemic
- investigate real data — eg. economic growth
- make sense of situations in your other studies — eg. statistics in Psychology experiments
Course Outline
6 units – 3 at AS level and 3 at A2 level.
AS Level
Each unit is assessed by a 1 hour examination with questions based on a pre-release data sheet. The three units we cover are:
- Algebra
- Data Analysis
- Dynamics
A2 Level
The three units we cover are:
- Modelling with Calculus (1 hour exam with pre-release data sheet)
- Mathematical Comprehension (1 hour exam with pre-release data sheet)
- Mathematical Applications – a portfolio assessment comprising of two pieces of work based on the AS level units or the A2 Calculus unit. Topics may include: the design of a skateboard ramp, the effect of temperature on marathon times, and car depreciation.
All the AS units (except for Algebra) and the Modelling with Calculus unit are Free Standing Maths Qualifications (FSMQs) – they are qualifications in their own right and worth up to 20 UCAS points.
For more information visit the
AQA Exam Board Website