Mathematics
9709| AS/A-Level
Overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of mathematical knowledge and understanding.
Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including to:
develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment
develop an understanding of mathematical principles and an appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject
acquire a range of mathematical skills, particularly those which will enable them to use applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and of other subjects they may be studying
develop the ability to analyse problems logically
recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem
use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study in mathematics or related subjects.
We recommend that students who are beginning this course should have an A*, A grade in IGCSE Mathematics. They MUST have at least a grade B
Knowledge of Additional Mathematics iGCSE is beneficial but not required
What is A Level Maths all about and why should you study it?
MATH DEPT.mp4Course Content
Knowledge of the content of the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 (Extended curriculum), or Cambridge International O Level (4024/4029), is assumed. Candidates should be familiar with scientific notation for compound units, e.g. 5 m s–1 for 5 metres per second.
In addition, candidates should:
be able to carry out simple manipulation of surds (e.g. expressing 12 as 23 and 62 as 32 ),
know the shapes of graphs of the form y = k x , where k is a constant and n is an integer (positive or negative)
All candidates will study the following topics:
AS Level
Pure Mathematics 1 (Paper 1)
1 Quadratics
2 Functions
3 Coordinate geometry
4 Circular measure
5 Trigonometry
6 Series
7&8 Differentiation
9 Integration
Probability & Statistics 1 (Paper 5)
1 Representation of data
2 Permutations and combinations
3 Probability
4 Discrete random variable
5 The normal distribution
A Level
Pure Mathematics 3 (Paper 3)
1 Algebra
2 Logarithmic and exponential functions
3 Trigonometry
4 Differentiation
5 Integration
6 Numerical solution of equations
7 Vectors
8 Differential equations
9 Complex numbers
EITHER:
Mechanics (Paper 4)
1 Forces and equilibrium
2 Kinematics of motion in a straight line
3 Momentum
4 Newton’s laws of motion
5 Energy, work and power
OR
Probability & Statistics 2 (Paper 6)
1 Poisson distribution
2 Linear combinations of random variables
3 Continuous random variables
4 Sampling and estimation
5 Hypothesis tests
Assessment
Candidates will take the full Advanced Level by completing two papers at AS Level and another two papers at A Level.
AS Level
Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1) – 1 hour 50 minutes (weighting 30%)
75 marks
10 to 12 structured questions based on Pure Mathematics 1 subject content
Answer all questions
Written examination
Externally assessed and marked by Cambridge International
Paper 5 (Probability & Statistics 1) – 1 hour 15 minutes (weighting 20%)
50 marks
6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability & Statistics 1 subject content
Answer all questions
Written examination
Externally assessed and marked by Cambridge International.
A Level
Paper 3 (Pure Mathematics 3) – 1 hour 50 minutes (weighting 30%)
75 marks
9 to 11 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 3 subject content
Answer all questions
Written examination
Externally assessed and marked by Cambridge International.
EITHER
Paper 4 (Mechanics) – 1 hour 15 minutes (weighting 20%)
50 marks
6 to 8 structured questions based on the Mechanics subject content
Answer all questions
Written examination
Externally assessed and marked by Cambridge International.
OR
Paper 6 (Probability & Statistics 2) – 1 hour 15 minutes (weighting 20%)
50 marks
6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability & Statistics 2 subject content
Answer all questions
Written examination
Externally assessed and marked by Cambridge International
Progression
Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. Cambridge International AS & A Levels are accepted across 195 countries. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics makes up the first half of the Cambridge International A Level course in mathematics and provides a foundation for the study of mathematics at Cambridge International A Level. Depending on local university entrance requirements, students may be able to use it to progress directly to university courses in mathematics or some other subjects. It is also suitable as part of a course of general education.
Cambridge International A Level Mathematics provides a foundation for the study of mathematics or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education.