Mathematics

Mathematics is a fascinating subject to study in its own right, or as a tool for use with other A Levels. There are modules available in Pure (Core), and the three applications of Maths: Statistics, Decision and Mechanics. Core and Mechanics are especially useful to support A Level Physics or for a career in Engineering; Statistics has uses in many areas including Psychology, Biology, Geography, Economics; Decision is used in the areas of Accounts, Business Studies and IT. Information is available for parents on supporting the transition from GCSE to AS level maths, and new students for September can download our Maths - Bridging the Gap assignment and guidance notes by clicking the links below:

Assignment and Guidance notes

What do all of these modules involve?

Pure Mathematics– Modules C1,C2,C3,C4

Pure Mathematics builds on topics you have already met at GCSE. The course includes a grounding in a range of mathematical techniques:

• Algebra – factorising expressions, studying methods of solving equations
• Trigonometry
• Curve-sketching – making use of graphic calculators in class
• Finding out how to calculate the areas and volumes of unusual shapes
• Finding out about exponential growth and decay
• Investigating sequences of numbers
• Using numerical methods to solve difficult equations
• Finding out about logarithms
• Problem solving using a wide range of different methods
• Vectors

Statistics – Modules S1,S2

Statistics involves developing and applying the theory of probability in practical situations. You will develop an understanding of how Maths can be used in “real-life” situations. The study of Statistics is very useful as a support for Geography, Biology, Psychology, Business Studies, Economics or Accounts.

• How to present, compare and contrast sets of data effectively
• Calculating means, standard deviation, quartiles
• Probabilities using permutations and combinations of objects
• Finding out ways to compare data in scatter diagrams other than by a line of best fit
• How to use Statistics to test a theory (scientific, economic, psychological, etc)
• How statistical methods are used in business and industry in monitoring stock control and quality control

Mechanics – Modules M1,M2

Mechanics involves applying Mathematics in a variety of practical situations, using some of the ideas you may have already met in Science. Mechanics will be particularly appropriate for students intending to study A level Physics. Some of the topics involved are:

• Forces, friction, work, energy and power
• The velocity and acceleration of moving objects
• Equilibrium of stationary objects - either a particle or a rigid body
• Motion of a projectile – how to throw a ball to make it go as far as possible
• Circular motion – why cyclists need to lean to go round a corner
• Direct impact of two moving objects such as snooker balls

Decision Maths – Modules D1,D2

Decision Mathematics involves developing and applying mathematical techniques in a variety of practical situations and is particularly relevant for students wishing to apply mathematical methods in Business Studies, Economics, Accounts and Management.

• Finding the shortest route through a network
• Planning the best route for a salesman who has to visit a particular set of towns
• Finding the best route for a postman who has to make deliveries to every house in a particular area
• Graph and Game theory
• Using graphs to make decisions (linear programming)
• Problem solving using systematic methods
• Critical Path Analysis to help plan and monitor complex projects
• Flows in Networks
• Matching algorithms

If you are particularly interested in Maths then Further Pure could be for you.

Further pure Mathematics – Modules FP1,FP2,FP3

The Further pure modules include extra topics which you will find particularly useful if you are planning to do Mathematics, or a course, such as Physics or Engineering, which involves a lot of Maths at University.

• Matrices
• Polar co-ordinates
• More sequences and series – with the opportunity to develop skills in logical argument and an understanding of some general methods of mathematical proof.
• More numerical methods
• Groups – abstract algebra
• More vectors
• Finding out about different types of numbers, called imaginary numbers, which can give you a negative answer when you square them!
• Calculating lengths of curves and surface areas of unusual shapes

Most students will take AS Maths in their first year - consisting of Core (C1, C2) and one application chosen from Statistics, Decision and Mechanics (S1, D1, M1). In the second year they will continue by studying more Core (C3, C4) and S2 or D1 if S1 was taken, D2 if D1 was taken and M2 or D1 if M1 was taken. 6 modules lead to A Level Maths.

Students may also take AS Further Maths as a separate qualification in their first year in college. This involves studying Further Pure 1 and two applications. 9 modules lead to A Level Maths & AS Further Maths. They could continue in their second year to complete A Level Further Maths, by studying Further Pure 2 and 3 alongside two other modules which had not already been studied. 12 modules would lead to A Levels in Maths and Further Maths.

Most students begin the AS Maths course with at least a grade B at GCSE. If you are interested in taking Further Maths modules you will need to have studied GCSE Maths at Higher Level. It is recommended that you achieve an A or A*.