Mathematics GCE A Level

Mathematics GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:

• 4 x GCSE B grades
• GCSE grade A/A* (B in exceptional circumstances)
• Grade B (or C) students should consider AS/A2 Use of Maths as a very good alternative course which does not require the same level of algebraic competence.

Head of Department: Mrs Michelle Sanderson

Course assessment:

• All units are tested by a 1 hour 30 minutes written examination; three to be taken at the end of each year.
• We do not enter our students for an AS unit in January!
• There is no coursework.

What can this course offer me?

• A consistently good 'A' level pass rate and retention rate
• A committed, experienced and highly qualified staff
• A free choice of Applied units (Mechanics/ Decision /Statistics) to fit your 'A' level / career profile
• Stimulation for those of you who enjoy problem solving
• The mathematical knowledge and expertise for a huge variety of degree courses.
• Many students take part in National and Merseyside Maths competitions.

What will I learn?
This course is a SIX unit A level.

All AS students are required to take two compulsory Pure Mathematics units, which extend your knowledge of Algebra and Trigonometry as well as introducing important new areas such as Calculus and Numerical Methods PLUS a third applied unit which is freely chosen from:

• Mechanics 1 (modelling the motion of objects). Good for Physicists and Engineers
• Statistics 1 (analysing data using probability and modelling). Good for future Biologists/Geographers/Psychologists/Medics
• Decision 1 (solving real life logistical problems). Anyone could choose this option.

In year 2, for A2, you do two more compulsory Pure units (Core 3 and Core 4) along with another free choice of Applied unit. We use a wide variety of teaching methods in the classroom; graphical calculators and computer packages, such as 'Autograph' are extensively used.

What Makes a good Mathematics student?

• Success in Mathematics requires determination and commitment to the course
• Confidence and competence in using algebra is essential

Which other courses link well with this subject?

• Mathematics can be taken with any subject combination but the Applied unit chosen should be influenced by your other subjects/career choice (see 'what can I expect?')

Future Opportunities

• The background knowledge gained is required for many academic degree courses including most Science and Engineering degrees as well as some competitive Economics, Finance and Computing degrees.
• You will also develop some highly relevant skills for a wide variety of other university courses such as Psychology and Geography.
• Those students considering Mathematics at university, (or Physics or Engineering at a highly competitive institution), should be considering Further Mathematics as well.
• Proof of your ability to think logically is increasingly required in today's technological society and an 'A' level in Mathematics is well respected by employers in all areas of the workplace.

Is there anything else I need to know?
There is a lot of evidence that a good A level in Mathematics leads to increased employability in the workplace and, on average, higher salaries. Given that, it is not an easy option and requires commitment and determination. We will do everything we can to help you develop your mathematical skills and appreciate this very special subject, both in its own right and as a service subject. The rest is up to you!