Mathematics AS Level

Mathematics AS Level
This course gives you an insight into some of the diverse topics that can be studied in Mathematics. While it is a subject that is interesting to study in its own right, it is also a useful aid to other courses with a mathematical or statistical content such as Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, etc.

What does the course involve?
You will gain an understanding of Mathematical processes and techniques and learn how to use them in real world problems. The AS Mathematics course will develop your abilities to reason logically and use Mathematics to communicate ideas effectively. At a higher level, Mathematics is all about applying your knowledge to real life situations, so an interest in solving problems and puzzles is very useful. You need to be logical so that you can follow a mathematical argument, and creative so that you can look for different ways of applying your skills.

What will I study?
You will study three modules during the first year The Core Mathematics modules develop your GCSE skills in algebra, trigonometry, and co-ordinate geometry and introduces some calculus techniques. Core Mathematics also provides the basis for the applications you will study in the Statistics module (or in the Mechanics module in Year 2).

Statistics 1 The Statistics module extends the statistical techniques that you studied at GCSE and introduces some new ideas about correlation between variables and an important statistical concept called The Normal Distribution.

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

• You will need a GCSE grade B in HIGHER Mathematics

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of each unit/module

What else do I need to know?
Additional costs
You will need a scientific calculator which meets specifications laid down by the exam boards (your GCSE calculator will probably be okay). 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 do I do if I have a grade C at GCSE?
Consider the AS Use of Mathematics course. This has a more practical approach to mathematics, involving speadhseets, graph drawing packages, and coursework.

Do I really need a graphical calculator?
You will find one very useful, and we would recommend that you buy one at the start of the course.

What calculator do you recommend - what is the 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.

What is the difference between AS Maths and AS Use of Maths?
AS Mathematics is more rigorous. Emphasis is placed on using algebraic techniques to solve problems. In AS Use of Mathematics, you will use your graphical calculator or a spreadsheet to solve the problems and then interpret your answers in the context of the original problem.

When are the exams?
One module is taken in January and the other two in June.
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.