Key Stage Five
A Level Mathematics
To be successful at A-level Maths you need to have the following:
Good grade GCSE Maths, A or A* preferable but B as an absolute minimum.
Good algebraic skills
A genuine interest in Maths and solving problems
The ability to work consistently
During the first year students study 2 modules of Core or Pure Maths, covering the following topics, often taking concepts from GCSE and extending them into more complex situations
Algebra
Trigonometry
Graphical work
Number series
The third module will be Decision Maths which covers topics such as:
Algorithms to solve practical problems such as sorting lists and packing objects
Shortest route through a network
Critical path (finding the best order for completing a series of tasks)
Linear Programming
Minimising cost.
Students have an hour lesson of Maths every day. Regular homework assignments will be set plus at least 2 major tests each term. The first Core Maths paper will be taken in January and the second Core plus the Decision in the summer.
Modules can be re-sat as many times as necessary. We strongly encourage students to make use of the re-sit facility as exam technique develops strongly and shows significant improvement over the course.
During the second year you will take the following modules:
Core 3 and Core 4 which extend and build on the AS Core modules.
A second ‘applied’ module which could be Statistics or Mechanics.
Again, one module will be taken in January and the other two in the summer.
No extra equipment beyond that needed at GCSE will be required. A good scientific calculator will suffice at A-level.
Students will be issued with a text book for each module. These are from the Heinemann series and are written largely by examiners in the subject. Hence they are a vital resource in terms of emphasising the key points as well as focussing on exam practice.
Revision work books are available for students to buy in the run up to exams price £3.50
In addition there is a wealth of support material on the school computer network such as power-points and extra worksheets, as well as links to other web-sites such as the Further Maths network.
Lunchtime and after school sessions are available to further enhance the level of support offered, which is particularly important during exam periods.
A Level Further Maths
A–level Further Maths is suitable for students who have a genuine flair and ability in the subject and who are likely to be using a significant amount of Maths in Higher Education, for example degree courses in Science and Engineering.
Grade A or A* at GCSE is an essential requirement for the course.
During the first year students will follow the complete A-level single Maths course, taking Core 1 and 2, plus Decision Maths 1 with the year 12 students. In addition students will take Core 3 and Core 4 which extend and build on the AS Core modules plus Mechanics 1 in the Further Maths group.
Core 1 and Mechanics 1 are examined in January with the other four modules being tested in the summer.
During year 13 the Further Maths A-level is taken. There is some flexibility in the actual modules studied, though at least two must be Further Pure Maths modules in which topics such as Complex Numbers, Matrices and Differential Equations are studied. In addition Statistics 1 and 2 are taken plus more Mechanics.
As in the single Maths course students will be issued with a text book for each module and again there is a wealth of support material on the school computer network such as power-points and extra worksheets, as well as links to other web-sites such as the Further Maths network.