WELCOME TO MATHEMATICS @ QMC

Whether it be in the sciences, business, sport or medicine we hope you will also enjoy studying mathematics for its own sake and come to appreciate its power and diversity. In order to solve problems in the real world, we often begin by translating the problem into mathematical equations to give us a clearer appreciation of the underlying aspects of the problem. We then solve the problem using mathematics and use our findings to make predictions of what will happen in different circumstances. After all, where else can you solve an infinite number of problems in one go!

CAREERS IN MATHS

still got questions? check out our faqs...

Q: What is the difference between A level Maths and Double Maths?

A: A level Mathematics is the traditional A level qualification that counts as one of your three subjects to make up a full-time level 3 programme of study. As with other subjects, you’ll have 5 hours of lessons a week with a single teacher who is a maths specialist. It’s a 2-year course covering both pure and applied maths with exams at the end.

Double Maths is a more intensive course, with two teachers and 10 hours of lessons per week, and is for students wanting to study a maths-related degree at university. Double Maths students will end up with 4 A levels in Mathematics, Further Maths and two other subjects of their choice, which could be sciences, computing, economics or a more complementary subject, e.g. geography, history or music. Both maths A levels cover a combination of pure and applied maths.

Q: How is A level Maths different from GCSE?

A: A level Mathematics builds on your GCSE algebra skills, with topics including functions, coordinate geometry and Calculus. It also features applied maths topics in mechanics and statistics. You’ll develop the use of trigonometry for angles of any size and there will be a greater emphasis on reasoning and proof.

Q: What enrichment opportunities do you offer?

A: Students have the chance to sit the UK Senior Maths Challenge in November and subsequent rounds leading to the British Mathematics Olympiad if successful. We also take groups to external events such as the Maths in Action roadshow, to hear entertaining talks from mathematicians in industry, commerce and the media. We enter teams in other competitions for those interested in engineering, business and accounting.

We run support sessions to prepare students for entrance tests for veterinary and medicine courses (BMAT, UKCAT), Oxbridge (MAT and STEP) and other top Russell Group universities. We have a reading list for those considering studying Mathematics at university and there are plenty of leadership roles within the Department, including our Maths SYMPLIfiers, who give mentoring support and help run the daily Maths Workshop and some outreach activities in local schools.

Q: What do A level Maths students go on to after college?

A: A level Maths sits well alongside any subject combination and is a much-prized qualification for developing students’ analytical and problem-solving skills. Students go on to a diverse range of careers from science and engineering (STEM) to business, architecture and financial services. The digital economy and the harnessing of Big Data have placed mathematicians at the heart of many businesses and industrial sectors. A maths qualification has never been more highly valued and your employment prospects are significantly enhanced if you can demonstrate proficiency in mathematical modelling, calculation, problem-solving and statistics.

Q: I’m predicted a grade 6 but I need A level Maths. What do I have to do to secure a place?

A: We ask for GCSE Maths grade 7 for A level Mathematics, but we say that in exceptional circumstances, we will consider applicants with grade 6, if the rest of the grades suggest that this understates their ability. We don’t like to turn students away, but it would be irresponsible to sign someone up for a course they are unlikely to pass.

At QMC we are pleased to be able to offer a range of courses to suit all abilities. For those studying A levels with a significant mathematical content (e.g. biology, psychology, geography, economics) who wish to extend their maths skills beyond GCSE, there is the Level 3 Core Maths qualification. Core Maths is a one-year course with exams at the end of the first year, meaning you can concentrate on your A levels in the second year. It sits alongside your three A levels and means you will qualify with 3½ A levels, whereas most students will leave with three. The course has a more practical focus than A level Maths, covering estimation, financial calculations and statistical techniques. It aims to develop your skills at predicting outcomes and solving real-world problems where you may not have all the information you need and might have to make some sensible assumptions as part of your mathematical model.

Q: What should I be doing between now and starting college to prepare for the A level Maths course?

A: It is so important that you keep your maths skills sharp. The A level Maths course moves quickly and students do find the pace and challenge a considerable step up from GCSE. Without regular practice your maths skills can quickly become rusty! We encourage maths applicants to explore some of the excellent free resources available online to practise and develop your algebra and problem-solving skills.

Check out:

• nrich.maths.org

• undergroundmaths.org

• Dr Frost Maths

• UKMT maths challenges

• Mymaths.co.uk

• Physicsandmathstutor.com

We very much look forward to welcoming you to study with us here at Queen Mary's College. Covid-permitting, we hope to be able to invite you to visit the site for one of our later open evenings in 2021, to meet in person and get a feel for the place. In the meantime, if you have any queries or concerns, do please get in touch by emailing: david.smith@qmc.ac.uk. Thanks again for your interest in applying for mathematics at QMC and good luck with those all-important GCSEs!

David Smith Director of Learning: Mathematics