Mathematics

Introduction to A level Mathematics video

 Edexcel

Advanced GCE in Mathematics specification follows on naturally from GCSE Maths, where the building blocks of basic principles have been laid.  The course involves the examination of a number of key areas in pure maths, mechanics and statistics.

PROGRESSION

Maths is a subject that is required by many advanced science based courses as well as careers where data management is essential. There is a heavy emphasis on algebra in the pure module and students must be confident in this area.  In addition, there is a need to be able to develop strategies for problem solving with little or no guidance from questions; hence, the ability to decipher how to start problems is critical. Students should be predicted a Grade 7 at GCSE as a minimum entry level. Graphical calculators are a requirement for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

COURSE OVERVIEW

AS and A level Mathematics have changed from 2017. Both AS and A level Mathematics are fully linear courses. AS is a standalone qualification. The content of AS level is the sub-set of the A level content, but the marks achieved in the AS does not count towards the A level.

AS Level

Pure Mathematics

(8MA0/01)

Proof; Algebra and functions; Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; Sequences and series; Trigonometry;  Exponentials and logarithms; Differentiation; Integration; Vectors

62.5% of AS level

2 hours Written exam

Statistics and Mechanics

(8MA0/02)

Section A: Statistics - Statistical sampling; Data presentation and interpretation; Probability; Statistical distributions; Statistical hypothesis testing / Section B: Mechanics - Quantities and units in mechanics; Kinematics; Forces and Newton’s laws

37.5%  of AS level

1 hour 15 minutes  Written exam

A2 Level

Pure Mathematics 1

 (9MA0/01)

Proof; Algebra and functions; Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; Sequences and series; Trigonometry; Exponentials and logarithms; Differentiation; Integration; Vectors

33.3% of A level

2 hours Written exam

Pure Mathematics 2

( 9MA0/02)

Proof; Algebra and functions; Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; Sequences and series; Trigonometry; Differentiation; Integration;  Numerical methods

33.3% of A level

2 hours Written exam

Statistics and Mechanics

( 9MA0/03)

Section A: Statistics - Statistical sampling; Data presentation and interpretation; Probability; Statistical distributions; Statistical hypothesis testing / Section B: Mechanics - Quantities and units in mechanics; Kinematics; Forces and Newton’s laws; Moments

33.3% of A level

2 hours Written exam

Some universities would accept AS rather than the full A2 course. Careers in engineering, medicine, business, architecture and pure science would require or benefit from a good A level or AS level pass in Maths.

Mrs Natasha Pecur - Curriculum Leader, Mathematics and Computer Science