CAMBRIDGE A Level
& NCEA Level 3 Calculus

This course follows on from the 12MCA course in Year 11.  It is the second year of the two year Cambridge A Level mathematics course. This year you will learn a great deal of mathematics and statistics. In October you will sit the Cambridge International A Level Mathematics examinations (Pure 3 and Statistics 2). In November you will sit the Level 3 Calculus external examinations (Integration, Complex Numbers and Differentiation).

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyse results and reflect on findings. Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and the skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment. - Cambridge International Education

What Mathematics will I do in 2022?

Students who get Excellences in the Level 3 Calculus external examinations in Year 12 are well prepared for Canterbury University's MATH199 course in Year 13. Many also take Level 3 Statistics.

This course follows the syllabus for the Cambridge International Examinations and has two elements (NCEA Level 3 Calculus topics are covered under these two elements): 

Pure Mathematics 3 

• 3.1 Algebra 

• 3.2 Logarithmic and exponential functions 

• 3.3 Trigonometry 

• 3.4 Differentiation 

• 3.5 Integration 

• 3.6 Numerical solution of equations 

• 3.7 Vectors 

• 3.8 Differential equations 

• 3.9 Complex numbers 

Probability & Statistics 2 

• 6.1 The Poisson distribution 

• 6.2 Linear combinations of random variables 

• 6.3 Continuous random variables 

• 6.4 Sampling and estimation 

• 6.5 Hypothesis tests 

In this course, you will be encouraged to be: 

• confident, using and sharing information and ideas, and using mathematical techniques to solve problems. These skills build confidence and support work in other subject areas as well as in mathematics. 

• responsible, through learning and applying skills which prepare them for future academic studies, helping them to become numerate members of society. 

• reflective, through making connections between different branches of mathematics and considering the outcomes of mathematical problems and modelling. 

• innovative, through solving both familiar and unfamiliar problems in different ways, selecting from a range of mathematical and problem-solving techniques. 

• engaged, by the beauty and structure of mathematics, its patterns and its many applications to real life situations. 

As well as developing your mathematical skills, there is a strong emphasis in this class on thinking about how you learn best individually and as a group, and how to manage high workloads and pressure. We hope that these skills will help you in all your courses.

This course is recommended if you have performed well in Cambridge AS Mathematics. The course is designed to extend students beyond the NCEA course, and prepare them for the NZ Scholarship examinations in Year 13 Statistics and Mathematics.

Entry into the course is subject to HOD approval.

Assessment

As the Cambridge syllabus covers the majority of the NCEA Level 3 Calculus course, you will also sit the NCEA Level 3 internal and external assessments. By studying the Cambridge syllabus, you should perform higher in the NCEA examination.  

Full details of Mathematics standards offered and assessed are:

• 91575 v2 (3.3) Apply trigonometric methods in solving problems 

• 91577 v2 (3.5) Apply the algebra of complex numbers in solving problems 

• 91578 v2 (3.6) Apply differentiation methods in solving problems 

• 91579 v2 (3.7) Apply integration methods in solving problems 

• Cambridge A Level 9709 (33) - Pure Mathematics 3 Examination

• Cambridge A Level 9709 (73) - Probability & Statistics 2 Examination

Note: A casio fx–9750GII graphics calculator is compulsory for this course.

Qualifications: Credits towards NCEA Level 3

Scholarship Calculus

You will be invited into the scholarship calculus programme in the middle of term 1. Regular morning classes will start in term 1, every Thursday (two identical sessions at 7:30am & 3:30am) in LC5. Information regarding scholarship calculus and resources can be found via: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/scholarship/scholarship-subjects/scholarship-mathematics-with-calculus

NZQA Mathematics Subject Resources

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/mathematics/levels 

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.