AS/A2 Mathematics

AS / A2 MATHEMATICS

Exam Board: OCR (MEI)
In Maths you will learn the skills of problem solving. Maths is used very widely: e.g. in weather forecasting, engineering and financial planning. You will use formulas to predict exact things like the stopping distance of a car (Mechanics) and model trends such as the number of people likely to contract a disease (Statistics).

In the Paston Maths course you will learn to manipulate and apply formulae to real situations. You build on your GCSE Maths and also learn much that is completely new. You will be taught by highly qualified mathematicians who will show you how to do the Maths and explain why a method works. We work with you as an individual, encouraging you to develop your own methods of problem solving, using a wide range of resources including puzzles, software and web based resources and books.

You can take Maths with virtually any AS/A subject but it is of practical support to Science subjects. Universities recommend (and sometimes require) A-level Maths if you wish to study Engineering or a Science.

In Maths at Paston help is always there whenever you need it. Teachers are happy to answer any question however small and are keen to ensure that youve fully understood. Piranesi OHare Evans (A2 student).

For me, Maths is like ballet. When you master a new routine, its brilliant! Briony Kemp (A2 student).

There are so many ways a problem can be solved so you almost always get there in the end. Adam Akers, studying Sports Science at Essex University.

AS Mathematics

Pure Mathematics The fundamental algebra that underpins all Maths

Quadratic equations
Linking graphs and algebra.
Negative and fraction indices
How to multiply out expressions
Sequences of numbers and how to calculate their totals
How to find the gradient and the area under a curve using calculus
Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangents).
Logarithms

Mechanics

Forces. What force makes a bike move? Do you feel all forces?
Finding the distance and speed of a body that is accelerating.
Calculating a cars braking distance.
The study of how a body flies through the air (once you let go!)
Newtons laws of motion.

Decision Mathematics

Simulating practical problems using numbers to avoid expensive trials
Should you have one queue for each till in a supermarket, or should you have one queue for all the tills?
Organising a number of tasks that need completing for a project e.g. at what time should you chop the onions for Christmas dinner to make sure that it is all ready at the same time?
How do route finders work? finding the shortest distance from one place to another.
How to maximise your profits.

Assessment

Three 1 hour examinations.

Entry requirements

At least a grade B in GCSE Maths and a recommendation from your Maths teacher in addition to the Colleges entry requirement for AS study.

A2 Mathematics

Pure Mathematics

The special number e this like Pi has special properties and powers
Advanced calculus
Trial and Improvement (Coursework).
Advanced trigonometry
Using vectors to work in 3 dimensions.

Statistics

Correlation is it true that tall people have big feet?
Distributions How many people could you expect to be over 2m tall?

Decision Mathematics

Using computers to solve practical problems. E.g. where to put health centres in a rural area of Africa so that no-one is more than 5 hours walk away.

Mechanics :

Work, power and energy. How high will a snowboarder fly off the lip of the pipe?
Collisions. In snooker, where do you need to hit the black to pot it?

Assessment

Three examinations, coursework and a comprehension examination.