Mathematics

Mathematics AS and A2



INTRODUCTION
This is a course for students who have had some success in GCSE maths and wish to study the subject in more depth, either because they enjoy maths for its own sake or to give in-depth support to other AS/A level courses.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The course aims to develop your ability and confidence in the application of mathematics and give you a sound base of the knowledge and skills required for further study in mathematics, other subjects and in employment.

AS CONTENT
Two of the three modules are mainly Pure Mathematics where you will meet a lot of algebra and you will develop your understanding of functions and graphs, leading on to elementary calculus. The third module is Decision Maths.

AS ASSESSMENT
Each module is assessed via a written examination.

A2 CONTENT
There are a further 3 modules which develop to greater depth the ideas met in the AS course, two of these are pure mathematics and the third is likely to be statistics.

A2 ASSESSMENT
This follows the same format as the AS assessment. There is no coursework in either AS or A2 .

HOW WILL I STUDY?
There will be 5 hours of timetabled lessons. In addition you will be expected to complete another 5 hours of study per week outside of lessons. You will experience a wide variety of teaching styles and formal teaching. You will also be encouraged to explore new ideas yourself including using I.T. and always with strong teacher support.
You will make extensive use of graphical calculators and computers throughout the course. Interactive whiteboards are also being used increasingly in all Maths courses. It will be possible to hire or purchase your own graphical calculator through the college at a discount rate. You will be encouraged to take advantage of tutorial facilities if you need extra support. You will monitor your work and progress with regular review sheets and periodic assessments in addition to the formal assessments

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As part of an advanced level programme, a minimum of 4 G.C.S.E.s at grade C or above (or the equivalent).

A grade B or above in GCSE (higher) Mathematics. Students who have achieved a grade C in GCSE Maths (higher tier) may consider AS Use of Maths or AS/A2 Statistics where there is less emphasis (in particular at the start of the course) on algebraic techniques.

Alternatively they may select GCSE Higher tier which may serve as a one year "bridging" course to AS Maths the following year.

LENGTH OF COURSE
AS level is one year, followed by a second year for those progressing to A2 level.

WHERE NEXT?
AS / A level Mathematics is a useful (sometimes essential) qualification for careers in business, accounting, actuarial work, computing, science, engineering, technology, operational research, teaching, civil service, surveying etc.

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