AS/A2 Mathematics

AS / A2 Mathematics

WHY TAKE MATHEMATICS?
This is a highly regarded subject which complements all other subjects. Many students go on to pursue careers in areas such as medicine, research and development, engineering, statistics, operational research, computing, accountancy, actuarial work, business management, insurance, financial services and teaching. If you are hoping to pursue a course in science, mathematics or engineering at university we would also recommend that you take Further Mathematics to at least AS Level.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
AS Mathematics consists of two pure modules and one applied module. The pure modules include topics such as algebra, co ordinate geometry, polynomials, trigonometry and calculus. The applied module will be Mechanics or Statistics.

A2 Mathematics will consist of two more pure modules and one more applied module. The second applied module may be Mechanics 2, Statistics 2 or Decision Maths. The pure modules include topics such as further differentiation and integration, partial fractions, vectors, further trigonometry and parametric and differential equations.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
You will need to be committed and willing to spend approximately four hours per week of your own time, practising examples and solving problems. You will need to be well organised, hard working, logical and determined, and be able to work independently.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Each module is assessed by an external written exam. One A2 pure module contains a piece of coursework where you will investigate the solutions of equations using numerical methods. One module is taken each year in the January session, the other modules are taken in June.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will have the opportunity to join a College team which will work with a local company to solve real engineering problems through the Engineering Education Scheme.