A Level Maths is a two year course. You will take three two-hour exams at the end of the course and your grade will be entirely based on these exams.
The course is split into three broad areas, and there are no choices. The areas are:
Pure Maths. This is about half of the course. It contains the topics: Algebra, trigonometry, Coordinate geometry, Sequences and series, Functions and Calculus. Most of these you will have started at GCSE, but unless you have studied GCSE Further Maths, you will not have studied Calculus. This is the study of behaviour of functions, in particular gradients and areas. This has many applications to maths, physics and engineering at a higher level.
Mechanics. This is the study of forces and motion. Topics include analysing the effect of force, examine the motion of objects with constant and non constant acceleration, the motion of projectiles and more.
Statistics. This includes the analysis and interpretation of data, binomial and normal distributions and the study of probabilities.
Click the Link to view the OCR syllabus in detail
If you are particularly enthusiastic about maths, and perhaps are thinking of studying Maths or Engineering beyond Sixth Form, you may want to think about studying Further Maths in addition to Maths. This will give you a second A Level in a Maths subject. Further Maths is split into three areas:
Pure Core. This module studies elements of Pure maths that goes beyond normal A Level. In particular this will show you connections between complex numbers, trigonometry, coordinate geometry and exponential functions. In addition there is work on matrices and their applications to geometry and algebra.
Decision. Decision Maths is the study of mathematical algorithms, for example, how do we find the shortest route between to points on a Map. This maths is related to Computing and how mathematical solutions can be made into formal processes.
Additional Pure. This module gives you the opportunity to study topics that touch on degree level Maths, and take Pure maths in new directions. It includes topics such as Group Theory, Number Theory, and Differential Equations
Further Maths is quite a difficult A Level, but is extremely rewarding, and can be the key to getting into mathematical courses at the top universities.
Here is a link to the Further Maths web page.
If you have any more questions about Further Maths, feel free to E-mail Anthony or Tim using the "About Us" page.
Click on this Link to see the OCR specification for Further Maths