What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
The A level Mathematics course is a rigorous qualification that requires a high level of mathematical ability. AS/A Level courses build on the highest knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE Mathematics. Students need to be very proficient with algebra to cope with the pure core sections of the course.
Students wishing to take A level Mathematics should have achieved an A grade at GCSE
Students wishing to take A level Further Mathematics should have achieved an A* grade at GCSE
What will I learn on this A Level course?
To develop an understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes and to use these to solve problems.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Students who wish to study the subject purely because of interest or enjoyment
Students who wish to study Mathematics for a subject in a related field such as Physics or Engineering
Students who need Mathematics as a service subject taken with subjects such as Geography or Economics
ALL students studying this course will need to be prepared to do between 7 and 10 hours of independent study outside of lessons each week.
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?
A Level Mathematics Modules
AS Unit 1 Pure Mathematics A (Yr. 12)
AS Unit 2 Applied Mathematics A (Yr. 12)
Section A- Statistics, Section B- Mechanics
A2 Unit 3 Pure Mathematics B (Yr. 13)
A2 Unit 4 Applied Mathematics A (Yr. 13)
Section A - Statistics, Section B - Differential Equations and Mechanics
A Level Further Mathematics Modules
AS Unit 1: Further Pure Mathematics A (Yr. 12) A2 Unit 4: Further Pure Mathematics B (Yr. 13)
AS Unit 2: Further Statistics A (Yr. 12) A2 Unit 5: Further Statistics B (Yr. 13)
AS Unit 3: Further Mechanics A (Yr. 12) A2 Unit 6: Further Mechanics B (Yr. 13)
Coursework / Specific arrangements / Other requirements
There is no coursework element in any of the modules. It is expected that students will have a calculator with standard ‘scientific’ functions available for use for all papers.
Further Mathematics Module Content
This specification is divided into a total of 5 units, 3 AS units and 2 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification. All AS units and A2 unit 4 are compulsory.
AS (3 units)
AS Unit 1: Further Pure Mathematics A
(Proof; Complex Numbers; Matrices; Further Algebra and Functions; Further Vectors)
AS Unit 2: Further Statistics A
(Random Variables and the Poisson Process; Exploring Relationships between Variables and Goodness of Fit of a Model)
AS Unit 3: Further Mechanics A
(Momentum and Impulse; Hooke’s Law, Work, Energy and Power; Circular Motion; Differentiation and Integration of Vectors)
A Level (the above plus a further two units)
A2 Unit 4: Further Pure Mathematics B
(Complex Numbers; Further Trigonometry; Matrices; Further Algebra and Functions; Further Calculus; Polar Coordinates; Hyperbolic Functions; Differential Equations)
A2 Unit 5: Further Statistics B
(Samples and Populations; Statistical Distributions; Hypothesis Testing; Estimation)
A2 Unit 6: Further Mechanics B
(Rectilinear Motion; Momentum and Impulse; Moments and Centre of Mass; Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies; Differential Equations)
*Students will sit either Unit 5 or Unit 6
