Mathematics
GCSE-Alevel/IB Bridging Material
Please follow the link below and carefully read the instructions at the top of the document.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pdI6JuzWzHGTDjh1tXlff50by_T3j0fPaygzGtztfqU/edit#gid=0
GCSE-Core Maths Bridging Material
Please follow the link below and carefully read the instructions at the top of the document.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11sr88AEK9snOIRoVEpk08DMAphh0pbwgNJ5FnV_Neh8/edit#gid=0
Context
Having Post-16 qualification in Mathematics can open up a world of opportunities in the working world. In fact, there have been a number of distinct advantages mathematics can give you that have been documented in various reports, confirming that further study in mathematics makes you more desirable as an employee.
It has been reported that those with a Post-16 A-level of HL maths qualification are set to earn around 10% more than those with other qualifications and that problem solving in mathematics, i.e. logical thinking and statistical analysis, are closer to those used in the workplace as opposed to skills learned in other subjects.
Popular career choices for those with a Post-16 maths qualification include engineering, computing, accountancy, economics, banking, business, retail management, surveying, air traffic control, architecture, cartography, psychology and teaching.
Furthermore, university courses in physics, business studies, psychology, computing, engineering and, of course, maths all stipulate specific requirements of mathematics as completely necessary.
Mathematics offers many pathways, some may be less obvious than others, in any case not many fields exist without the need for problem solving. There are many courses on offer through A-level and IB provision that will help you explore mathematics further.
Suggested reading
What the Numbers Say: A Field Guide to Mastering Our Numerical World
(Derrick Niederman and David Boyum)
Alex's Adventures in Numberland
(Alex Bellos)
(Oliver Byrne & Werner Oechslin)
(Philip J. Davis & Reuben Hersh)
The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers
(Andrew Dilnot)
Suggested research
https://plus.maths.org/content/
Plus is an internet magazine which aims to introduce readers to the beauty and the practical applications of mathematics. A lot of people don't have a very clear idea what "real" maths consists of, and often they don't realise how many things they take for granted only work because of a generous helping of it.
Plus provides articles and podcasts on any aspect of mathematics, covering topics as diverse as art, medicine, cosmology and sport, a news section, showing how recent news stories were often based on some underlying piece of maths that never made it to the newspapers, reviews of popular maths books, and puzzles for you to sharpen your wits.
We have a regular interview with someone in a maths-related career, showing the wide range of uses maths gets put to in the real world. And all past content remains available online, which besides making for good browsing is, we hope, a useful resource for maths school students and teachers.
*AQA Core Mathematical Studies does not require any completion of materials prior to enrolment. If you would like to learn more about the course follow this link.