Mathematics A Level Express

Mathematics A Level Express
A one year course for students who intend to study Further Mathematics the following year. Six modules are studied in the first year (five Mathematics modules and one Frther Maths module)and the A level will be completed in January of the following year.

What does the course involve?
Express Mathematics is really intended for those students who plan to go on and study AS or A level Further Mathematics in the second year. Students on this course generally have an A or A* at GCSE Maths. If you enjoy solving mathematical problems and have found GCSE Mathematics straightforward then this might be the course for you. The course covers only 5 of the A level modules in year one, the final module is taken in January of the second year.

What will I study?
During the year you will study 6 modules. These are Core Mathematics 1, 2, 3,Decision Maths 1, Statistics 1 and Mechanics 1. Express Mathematics is studied for 10 hours a week and takes up two of your choices, so you will need to be convinced that you like doing Mathematics. Core Mathematics builds on the skills you have developed at GCSE. You will continue to develop your abilities in algebra, geometry, trigonometry as well as learning about new techniques and concepts. The Statistics module develops the Statistical concepts that were studied at GCSE and the Mechanics module is a very mathematical approach to solving Physics problems. Decision Maths uses networks and algorithms to solve practical problems.

What are the entry requirements for Mathematics A Level Express?
You should only apply for this course if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements:-

• GCSE grade A in HIGHER Mathematics

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of each unit/module

What else do I need to know?
Graphical Calculator
You will need a scientific calculator which meets specifications laid down by the exam boards (your GCSE calculator will probably be suitable). You will, however, find a graphical calculator very useful. It can be used in every exam except Core Mathematics 1, where you are not allowed a calculator at all. These are expensive, but can be bought, at cost price, from the college shop.

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
What calculator do you recommend - what does it cost?
The staff at college use CASIO 9750G/9750GA+ calculators. This does not mean that we think they are the best, but we can help students learn to use them. There are many different types of calculator available with a price range of about £25 to £70. Order them from the college shop, at cost price, at the start of the year.

Is there any coursework?
No - just a one and a half hour exam for each module.

What is the difference between Express Maths and A level Maths?
Express Mathematics is very similar to A level Mathematics, except that only five of the modules are studied in ther first year along with one Further Maths module. The final module is taken in the January exam session of the second year.
Exam Board = EDEXCEL

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.

Entry Requirements

You will need grade C in FIVE of the following (inc. short GCSEs) : English Language or Literature/Humanities (History,Geography,RS,Sociology,Psychology)/Business/Science (Core and Additional OR triple)/Maths/Foreign Language - If that does not include GCSE English Language, you must take this course at college and achieve a C to progress to A2.
You must achieve a grade C in any GCSE taken which is directly related to this AS level unless a higher grade is specified.