A2 Mathematics & Further Mathematics

AS/A2 MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS

OCR (MEI) (1-2 years)

There are 2 different maths courses available:Mathematics & Further Mathematics

AS Mathematics: you are expected to have achieved at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics.

AS Further Mathematics: you will need to have achieved at least a grade A in Maths and a strong overall GCSE profile. Ideally you will have experienced some additional material. It is acceptable to follow a programme of five AS levels where two of them are AS Maths and AS Further Maths.

Course Content

AS Mathematics: This course consists of pure mathematics and statistics. There is an induction period during which you will revise and extend the mathematics covered at GCSE. After successfully completing this course you will be able to complete the full A level in your second year and possibly AS Further Mathematics as well.

AS Further Mathematics: This course consists of further pure mathematics, mechanics and decision mathematics. Covering the full range of applied modules will enable you to make informed decisions on your choice of modules in your second year.

Methods of Teaching

Classes will be varied, comprising investigations, class discussions and considerable use of appropriate IT resources - including the extensive use of a graphical calculator and commercial software. Your teachers will show you how to make effective use of the department intranet. They will make use of electronic whiteboards, and a suite of computers housed within the mathematics department. You will be set work frequently and the subject content will be assessed regularly by means of tests and common assignments. All students will have two teachers.

There is a well-resourced Workshop that is available every lunchtime for students to gain additional support. There are two or three teachers and several second year students present at each session to offer you help.

Methods and Patterns of Assessment

AS Mathematics: There are two exams in pure mathematics €" one in January and one the summer. The statistics module is examined in the summer and you will complete a statistical report that will enable you to satisfy the portfolio criteria for Key Skills Application of Number at level 3.

AS Further Mathematics: There is one examination in January: Mechanics 1. In the summer there are exams in Further Pure and Decision Maths 1. There is no coursework for these modules

Financial Implications

You will need to purchase your own textbooks and provide your own stationery, for note taking, class work and homework. You are expected to purchase a graphical calculator. The College will be able to sell calculators in September and offers two suitable calculators - one costing £22 (Casio fx7400) and the other about £44 (Casio fx9750).The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.

Career Possibilities

A pass in A level Mathematics provides a sound basis for many degree courses, e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physical and Social Sciences, Business Studies, Management, Accounting and Finance. Success in Further Mathematics is extremely desirable and expected for many popular mathematics related degree courses. It provides applicants to university with a distinct advantage as many university departments look favourably on success in Further Mathematics.