AS/A2 Mathematics

AS/A2 Mathematics

Why study Mathematics?
Study Maths if: You enjoy GCSE Mathematics and you find problem solving challenging. You want to apply Mathematics to real life problems. You want to develop your abilities to reason logically. You want a subject that supports your other choices.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
We study the MEI Structured Mathematics Scheme (OCR). (MEI stands for Mathematics in Education and Industry). This scheme will extend the range of mathematical concepts that you have met at GCSE. You will also see how mathematics is used in the real world. You will complete investigations that involve independent research on a range of topics and perform experiments as well as learn new ICT skills. There is some choice of modules at both AS level and A2 Level, which modules depends on the other subjects that you wish to study and your other interests. Don't worry too much at this stage about which option to take - there will be plenty of advice at the College Open Evenings and at your admissions interview.

The AS course
Two of the three modules, which make up the AS Mathematics course, are the compulsory modules Core 1 and Core 2. The final module is an applied one.

The Core 1 module includes algebra, co-ordinate geometry and curve sketching. This module will be examined in January and is compulsory.

The Core 2 includes calculus, logarithms, trigonometry and number series. This module will be examined in June and is also compulsory. Students choose which applied module to study, which is examined in June.

Mechanics 1 and Decision 1 may be new branches of Mathematics that you have not met before. Statistics 1 will extend the statistical ideas that you will have seen before. Dont worry we start each module from the basics.

What topics are included in the AS applied modules?
Statistics 1
Extends ideas met at GCSE through analysing real life data using diagrams and calculations, probability, an introduction to probability distributions, hypothesis testing and random variables.

Mechanics 1
Modelling real life situations, forces, motion, and projectiles.

Decision 1
Application of algorithms to solve problems and make correct decisions. Problems often occur in commercial or industrial situations and require the use of algorithms, networks and linear programming to solve them.

The A2 course
If you wish to continue with Advanced Mathematics in the Upper Sixth you will again study three modules, Core 3 and Core 4 and an applied module. The choice of applied module will depend on which module you studied in the Lower Sixth.

The Core 3 module incorporates the only compulsory piece of Coursework (worth 20% of the marks for this module) on solving equations using Numerical Methods. The examination part of Core 3 will be sat in January.

The remaining two modules, Core 4 and an applied module , will be examined in June.

What topics are included in the A2 applied modules?
Statistics 1
As for AS above

Statistics 2
Extends ideas met at AS through analysing real life data using diagrams and calculations, probability, Poisson, Binomial and Normal probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and association.

Mechanics 2
You will be modelling real life situations in such topics that include, moments of forces, friction, centre of mass, frameworks, work, energy, power, impulse and momentum

Decision 1 As for AS above

Does Mathematics link particularly well with other subjects?
AS Level Mathematics will support your other choices at AS Level.

Where might it lead me?
Mathematics is important in all fields of industry and commerce so further study allows you to prepare for a range of careers. Mathematics is also an extremely important element in many degree courses and without it, further study of most sciences and engineering becomes very difficult, if not impossible.

Mathematics Support
All modules have SJD summary booklets in the form of a course guide and past papers. The department offers various levels of support for those students who are identified as needing extra sessions.

GCSE Mathematics Resit (EDEXCEL)
If you need at least a Grade C in GCSE for your career or university, do not despair. This 1-year modular course will give you the chance to increase your mathematical understanding and hence improve your examination grade. With a desire to succeed and a willingness to work, an improvement of at least one grade is usual and the expectation is of a Grade C. There may be chance to resit your present Mathematics course in November.

Sixth Term Examination Paper in Mathematics (STEP)
Some students need a further examination in mathematics for certain university courses or because they want a challenge! This is a mathematics examination testing techniques that are beyond the normal A2 requirements. We can provide support in preparation for this examination. Mathematics and Further Mathematics If you love Mathematics, are good at it and it is your favourite subject then why not consider an A Level in Further Mathematics? Some students take on an extra AS in Further Mathematics in their Upper Sixth year. See the relevant section in this prospectus.

Why study Further Mathematics?
If you get an A or A* in GCSE Mathematics, really enjoy the subject and want to study either Mathematics or a Mathematics related degree at one of the top universities then this is the course for you. Youll study twice as many units as the single Mathematics students and therefore get two A levels: one in Mathematics and one in Further Mathematics. You also have the opportunity to study a mixture of applied units. You will be studying Mathematics with other like-minded students so you will be challenged! Further Mathematics is one of the most highly respected subjects offered at A- level. It is recognised by the top Universities for its challenging content and is therefore an excellent qualification to obtain. It is particularly popular with students going on to study a course which demands a high level of mathematics, such as Computing, Technology, Engineering and the Sciences as well as Mathematics. Whilst many HE courses do not specify Further Mathematics explicitly, students with Further Mathematics qualifications are strongly welcomed on any Mathematics related course and often receive preferential offers because of this. But most important is an enjoyment and a sense of pride in tackling hard mathematical problems.

What are the entry requirements?
You will be expected to have a least a Grade A in your GCSE Mathematics and you must be studying the AS Mathematics course. Due to the large amount of mathematical content and the double time allocation involved in taking the two mathematics, you must really enjoy and thrive on a challenge.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
We study the MEI Structured Further Mathematics Scheme (OCR). This scheme will extend the range of mathematical concepts that you have meet at AS and A2 Mathematics.

The AS course
You will study the Mathematics AS course and at the same time gain additional modules. At the end of the lower sixth you will have Pure mathematics modules of Core 1, Core 2 and Further Pure 1
Applied mathematics modules of Mechanics 1, Statistics 1, Statistics 2
Most of the above modules are described in the Mathematics section of this prospectus.

The Further Pure 1 includes matrices, complex numbers, further algebra and graphical techniques.

The A2 course
If you wish to continue with Advanced Further Mathematics in the Upper Sixth you will again study six modules, Core 3, Core 4, Further Pure 2, Mechanics 2, Differential Equations and Decision. The Core 3 and Differential Equations modules incorporates a piece of Coursework (worth 20% of the marks for each module)

The examination part of Core 3, Core 4 and Differential Equations will be sat in January. The remaining three modules, Decision 1, Further Pure 2, and Mechanics 2 will be examined in June.

The Further Pure 2 includes calculus, polar co-ordnates, complex numbers, power series, matrices, and hyperbolic functions.

The Differential Equations includes modelling, tangent fields, integrating factors, oscillations and systems of differential equations.

Does Further Mathematics link particularly well with other subjects?
AS Level Further Mathematics will support your Mathematics at AS Level. Further Mathematics combines well with most other subjects, particularly the Sciences, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, IT and Computing. It is also be possible to gain an A Level in Mathematics and an AS Level in Further Mathematics. This would require you studying nine modules.

Where might it lead me?
AS and A-level Further Mathematics fits well with almost any combination of subjects and offers wide progression opportunities to university or careers. If you are considering a degree in mathematics, physics, engineering or computing at a highly competitive university you are strongly advised to study further mathematics to at least AS-level.