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 or mechanics.  This choice will be based on your other A level subjects and your career aspirations.

The statistics module will include topics such as descriptive statistics, probability, normal distribution and correlation and regression.

The mechanics module will include topics such as vectors, straight line motion, forces and moments.

In order to qualify for the A2 course we expect you to achieve a pass at AS level.

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 both Year 12 and 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.

Preferred Entry Requirements
Mathematics GCSE grade B grade.*

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.

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.

• Algebra (compulsory unit)
• Two optional units chosen from:

Data Analysis, Decision Mathematics, Dynamics or Mathematical Principles for Personal Finance.

A2 level
All 3 units at A2 level are compulsory.

• 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.

You will also be expected to attend a Maths workshop - initially to help you make the transition from GCSE to AS Level.  This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to gain the Foundations in Advanced  Mathematics qualification that will support your study of the AS/A2 units.

Preferred Entry Requirements
Mathematics GCSE grade C or better.*

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.

Further Maths (Double Maths) 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 - A Level Mathematics
You will study four pure maths modules and two applied maths modules. The pure modules will include topics such as algebra, trigonometry, basic calculus, geometry, series, logarithms, and functions.  The applied modules will include statistics (with topics such as probability, normal distribution and correlation) and mechanics (with topics such as vectors, forces and moments).

In order to qualify for the U6 course, we expect you to achieve a good pass at A level Mathematics.

Year 13 - A level Further Mathematics
You will study a further three 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 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 modules will include algorithms, linear programming and the route inspection problem.

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 take AS level Further Maths in Year 13, comprising of three Further Maths modules (at least one from both pure and applied).

Preferred Entry Requirements
Mathematics GCSE at A or A* as well as good performances in other subjects.*

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department. 

GCSE (AQA Modular - Foundation Tier) and Foundation Course                              

All students that do not already have at least a grade C in GCSE Mathematics are required to take a suitable course in Mathematics.

Foundation Course
A numeracy course designed to enable students to use number confidently in everyday situations - at work, in education and training.  A variety of learning and teaching approaches are used in this course.

Foundation Course Outline
Adult numeracy examinations at Level 1/2 will be taken during the academic year at a time appropriate to each student.  Those who make successful progress on this course may also be entered for the foundation tier GCSE in Mathematics.

Preferred Entry Requirements
This course may be suitable for those students that have not been successful with the abstract elements of the mathematics GCSE course (such as trigonometry and algebra) and need to improve their numeracy skills in preparation for adult life and the world of work. 

In particular, students who have obtained grades F, G or U in GCSE Mathematics may find this course more accessible.*

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.