Mathematics

Mathematics is a fascinating subject to study in its own right. For some careers and degree courses at university, Mathematics A Level is essential. These include Engineering, Physics and Natural Sciences.  Mathematics A Level is also very useful for Biology, Economics and Computing-based courses.

Difficulty of the Mathematics course

It is widely recognised that A Level Mathematics is one of the toughest subjects to pass. It is certainly a reason why a high grade in Mathematics provides a gateway to so many competitive degree courses. We ask that you have comfortably achieved grade B at GCSE prior to starting the course (higher grades strongly advised). Students should already be comfortable with basic algebra and graphs as these skills are used regularly throughout the course.  Mathematics is not an easy subject and it is important to be prepared to work at it from the start!

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 course will I follow?

From September 2011 we will be following the AQA Mathematics specification.  Like other A Levels, you will follow AS level in year 1 and A2 level from the middle of June in your first year and through to year 2.

AS Level Mathematics

AS level Mathematics is a one year course, consisting of three units.  You will take you first module exam in January (Core1) and two modules in May/June (Core 2 and either Statistics 1 or Mechanics 1).

A2 Level Mathematics

A2 level Mathematics will be studied in the second year, building on the work covered in the AS course.  This year also consists of three units.  You will take one exam in January (Core 3) and two modules in May/June (Core 4 and Statistics 2 or Mechanics 2 or Decision 1).

Further Mathematics

If you are particularly interested in Maths then Further Maths could be for you.  This course is 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.

What GCSE's do I need?

We required at least grade A in GCSE Maths.

AS Level Further Mathematics

As level Further Mathematics is a one year course, consisting of three units. You must be studying Maths in order to take Further Maths. You will take three module exams in January (Core 1, Statistics 1 and Mechanics 1) and three modules in May/June (Core2 Further Pure 1 and Decision). This counts as two subjects and would lead to AS Levels in Maths and Further Maths.

A2 Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics

Students who do not wish to continue with A2 Further Maths can transfer to an A2 Maths class.  They would then have studied 9 modules over the two years leading to A Level Maths and AS Level Further Maths.

A2 Level Further Mathematics

Students can continue into their second year to complete A Level Further Maths.  You will take three modules in January (Core 3, Core 4 and Decusion 2) and three modules in May/June (Further Pure 2, Statistics 2 and Mechanics 2).Twelve modules would lead to A Levels in Maths and Further Maths.